What is Tech Trek?
Tech Trek is a one-week math/science camp designed to develop interests, excitement, and self-confidence in young women who will enter 8th grade in the fall. It features hands-on activities in math, science, and related fields. All sleeping, eating, instructional, and recreational facilities are located on a university campus where the camps are held.
Campers are assigned either a math or science core class that they attend daily. Field trips to encourage maximum interaction and instruction are also planned.
Most important of all is the university campus experience. No matter what campus they attend, campers will have the opportunity to live the life of a college student for the week. They will learn to live with someone other than a sibling or a relative, share community bathrooms, eat dorm food and explore the campus area under the careful supervision of camp staff. They also will interact with women who model a high degree of science, mathematics, or computer expertise as part of their daily lives.
Instructors include credentialed middle school teachers and women currently engaged professionally in math, science, or technology fields. Evening programs in fields such as astronomy, engineering, marine biology, and environmental studies are planned to enhance the learning experience and introduce students to a variety of potential career areas.
Where is Tech Trek?
Camps are held at various locations throughout California. Campers are chosen by their local AAUW branch to attend the camp nearest them, as all campers must arrive by ground transportation. Tech Trekkers from AAUW/San Mateo attend one week on the Stanford campus, and two campers are chosen from each of the four middle schools in the San Mateo/Foster City School District.
Tech Trek began in 1998 and has now grown to eight campuses: UC Davis, Sonoma State and Stanford in northern California; CSU Fresno in central California; and UC Irvine, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara and Whittier College in southern California.
While all camps follow the same outline, each camp also presents a unique experience for campers.
What is Dorm Life Like?
Campers stay in campus community-style, multi-storied dorms. Two to six campers share each room/suite. A common bathroom is shared. The housing office furnishes some linens; campers must bring those items not furnished. A specific list of needs will be sent to students selected to attend Tech Trek.
Camp Faculty & Staff
Excellent, experienced teachers have been selected to teach at each camp. Their qualifications include superior knowledge of their subjects and a high degree of interest in working with middle school girls. AAUW adult volunteers act as camp counselors. Each camper will be assigned to a small family group with the same counselor for the entire week. In addition, volunteer high school and college girls will provide assistance to teachers and other staff. Most important of all, campers will interact with women who model a high degree of science, mathematics, and technology expertise as part of their daily lives.
PLEASE SUPPORT TECH TREK!
Send donations payable to AAUW to
Maureen Buchner,
792 Widgeon Street
Foster City, 94404
Give any fundraising ideas or volunteer for this important committee to Maureen Buchner, 573-1604.