Tech Trek Sponsored by AAUW Held at Local Colleges

Since 1936, American Association of University Women (AAUW) Palm Beach County (PBC) Branch has worked to advance the education of women and girls. In 2013, those efforts expanded to provide middle school-aged girls with the opportunity to become, "immersed in a world that empowers and encourages them to think about themselves as future scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and computer specialists", through AAUW Florida’s Tech Trek program. Courses were held on the Palm Beach State College Boca Raton campus while campers and staff experienced dorm life on the campus of nearby Florida Atlantic University.

AAUW Palm Beach County has sponsored local girls each year over the past 5 years. This year the branch sponsored eight girls: Isabella Berkoff, Precious Clark, Bella Martinez, Ami Piper, Shamiha Tonima, McKenna Wickers, Graysen Williams, and Sofia Wiskoff. They joined 56 other girls sponsored by AAUW branches across Florida who also traveled to Boca Raton, Florida. For many of the girls, this week-long excursion is their first trip away from home, without their parents.

Core workshops such as: App Inventor, Robotics, Marine Biology, and Engineering allowed these young women to experience and discuss topics, including: DNA, Cybersecurity, Chemistry, Art & Math, Weather, Rockets, Problem Solving, and Personal Finance. While days were filled with Engineering and Robotics classes, complete with bridge and robot construction; nights offered the girls the chance to attend Professional Women’s Night, sponsored by AT&T, wherein each camper had the occasion to meet eighteen women representing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

From Sunday, June 10^{th to Thursday, June 14th, all the girls had completed four core classes along with all eight workshops. "Incredible", "awesome", "exciting", and "extraordinary" are but a few of the words campers used to describe this unforgettable experience. By all accounts, the 2018 TECH TREK camp mesmerized all who attended.}

The first Tech Trek camp was held in 1998 at Stanford University, California. More states, including Florida, would go on to adopt this program seeking to capture the interest of young girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This year AAUW Florida, along with state-wide branches and corporate sponsors, raised a total $70,652.00 to present these incredibly talented girls with an unforgettable week of wonder.

AAUW PBC consistently raises both awareness and funding for this vital program. This year the branch donated more than $10,000.00 to AAUW Florida Tech Trek. In September, the branch will welcome these exceptionally capable local girls to its general meeting so they may present their experience to AAUW members. For more information about AAUW PBC and the Tech Trek program, please visit our website at: palmbeach-fl.aauw.net.