What is Tech Trek?

Tech Trek is a weeklong summer camp for girls entering eighth grade. The students chosen to attend must show interest and potential in mathematics, science and computer technology. Girls from our area spend six days and nights on the campus of UCSD, living as college students do. During part of the day they attend classes taught by local middle school teachers that include hands-on labs. They have designed and set off rockets, extracted DNA samples, studied anatomy by dissecting fetal pigs and sheep hearts, and created public service announcements they research, write and film. Afternoons are spent on field trips where they study marine biology and learn about local geology and plant life. The week begins with talks by women who are active in successful scientific careers.

Rancho Bernardo Branch Involvement

Rancho Bernardo Rotary presenting a check for Tech Trek

To be considered, a girl must be recommended by her math and/or science teacher. Finalists submit essays telling a bit about themselves and why they would like to attend. They are then interviewed by a group of branch members who makes the final choices. Families of campers are asked to pay a $50 fee.

Historical Background

This program, unique to California, began in 1998 with initial funding from AAUW’s Educational Foundation. That year one camp was held at Stanford University. Tech Trek has now expanded to seven campuses: Stanford, UC Santa Barbara, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, Cal State Sonoma,  Cal State Fresno, and Whittier College. Our Rancho Bernardo Branch has participated since the beginning, sponsoring girls from Bernardo Heights Middle School, Oak Valley as well as Twin Peaks. Tech Trek was set up to encourage young women to pursue their interests in science, math and computer technology – fields in which women have traditionally been underrepresented.

The Rancho Bernardo branch of AAUW is proud to have participated in this project of AAUW – CA, since the inception of its camps, in 1998.

How You Can Help

For more information about the Tech Trek program or to contribute much-needed funds for the campers’ support, please contact us. Donations are deductible for federal income tax purposes to the full extent allowed by law.