Tech Trek

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

Tech Trek is a week-long academic residential camp featuring hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) for girls entering 8th grade. Instructors include teachers and professional women in STEM related careers. The camps are located on university and college campuses across California where campers are immersed in the full campus experience. 7^th grade girls are nominated by their teachers and then go through a rigorous selection process which includes application essays and interviews by our Branch Selection Committee. AAUW Healdsburg Branch is proud to be able to send local girls to this camp.

In 2024, our Branch sponsored eight very talented and enthusiastic young ladies to Tech Trek Camp Franklin at Sonoma State.  The girls attend Cali, Windsor, Cloverdale and Healdsburg schools. Our Branch also provided a total of six class monitors for both core class subjects and field trips. AAUW member Dr. Mary Barsony organized an Astronomy night which 90 girls attended.  She partnered with Robert Ferguson Observatory to give the students a tour of the Whirlpool Galaxy, Ring Nebula, and other celestial gems according to an article in the San Francisco Amateurs Astronomers newsletter. She also ran a Galileo scopes workshop.  

At the end of camp, each camper writes a thank-you note to the Branch that sponsored her. Click HERE to read this year’s and previous years’ enthusiastic responses from campers sponsored by our Branch.

For more information about our Tech Trek program, contact Debbi Crapeau.

For more information about becoming a sponsor, contact Mary Barsony.

Tech Trek Alumni Group (TTAG)

The Tech Trek Alumni Group, TTAG, a new AAUW Healdsburg program, will focus on encouraging Tech Trek Alumni to stay connected to STEM talented, like-minded girls from middle school thru high school. TTAG will build upon the excellent work that GEMS (Girls Engaged in Math and Science) had accomplished over the years as one of our core STEM programs. AAUW mentors will guide and set up TTAG participants for success by helping them plan and host their own fun programs and community events related to STEM.

Past GEMS activities have included Professional Women’s Career Panels focused on careers in STEM, and field trips to Keysight Technologies, Medtronic, Canine Companions, Pixar, Bodega Marine Laboratory, and local hospitals.

For more information about TTAG opportunities, contact Karla Rosen, TTAG Chair.

Expanding Your Horizons

A national organization, EYH has merged with TechBridge Girls. For over 30 years, the EYH chapter in Sonoma County has hosted an annual event: a one-day, hands-on workshop conference exposing 7th^th and 8th^h grade girls to STEAM careers requiring a math and science background. The local AAUW Branches, Healdsburg, Petaluma, and Santa Rosa, support the conference with donations and volunteers.

For more information about EYH and EYH opportunities, contact Nancy Haiston, EYH Chair