Tech Trek attendees share their experiences

At a recent American Association of University Women (AAUW) meeting, two of the girls selected to attend Tech Trek this past summer shared some of their experiences. Tech Trek is a one-week STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) camp sponsored by AAUW. It's designed to develop interest, excitement and self-confidence in young women who will enter eighth grade in the fall. Tech Trek features hands-on activities in math, science and related fields.

Caitlyn Chitwood attended camp at UC Santa Barbara, and Grace Keller attended camp at CSU Fresno. Both are students at Jacobsen Middle School. The girls talked about their respective camps, including what a typical Tech Trek day was like. All campers are assigned STEM core classes that they attend daily.

Caitlyn enjoyed the ocean environment at Santa Barbara, where the campers were exposed to various aspects of marine biology. Her team project involved computer coding. Caitlyn said that she would like a career in science, although she hasn't decided on a specific focus. One of Caitlyn's highlights was hearing from women who have excelled in male dominated careers (such as engineering).

Grace's team project was building a hot air balloon. She said that she especially enjoyed the field trip to Calvin Crest Camp, near Yosemite, where the campers worked on team building activities. Grace loves to read and said that she would like to someday become a teacher. Both girls said that, in addition to learning, they made long-lasting friendships and memories.

AAUW, Tehachapi Mountain Branch, was able to send five girls to Tech Trek this summer due to the generous donations of AAUW members, as well as some local corporate sponsors. They include BHE Renewables, AST, Scaled Composites and Tammy Engel. We are hoping to again be able to send five girls to Tech Trek next summer. If you are interested in donating, or would like more information about the program, please contact Linda Flores at (661) 821-0621.