From left are Rio Espino, Mary Lybrand, Lydia Thompson, Emersyn Moore and Gemma Ramirez with Sonia Zarate, Gridley Branch AAUW Tech Trek Coordinator.

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Gridley Branch American Auxiliary of University Women (AAUW) Tech Trek girls shared their UC Davis summer camp experiences with AAUW members, family and friends recently.

The girls spoke about their core classes, project-based STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) classes like robotics, engineering, coding, anatomy, biology and genetics, where campers participate in hands-on activities.

During the one-week camp, mornings focused on core classes within a specific STEM subject. Afternoons included rotational workshops, on-campus field trips to places like the Veterinary School, the Mondavi Theater and other hands-on activities. Evening activities such as talks with women in STEM careers, social events and team-building fun rounded out each day.

Eating great food, broadening their horizons, feeling more confident, meeting girls from across northern California, making new friends, learning about overcoming challenges, discovering new careers, thinking about the future and acquiring new and practical skills are just some of the comments shared by the girls about the Tech Trek summer camp held at UC Davis in July.

Since 1881, AAUW has been promoting equity and education for women and girls. Tech Trek began in 1998 and is being expanded across the U.S.

Girls attend Tech Trek camps hosted by AAUW California on scholarships provided by AAUW members, generous individuals, community organizations and memorial donations. From participating middle schools in our area, seventh grade science and math teachers recommend camper candidates who must pass through an extensive qualification process that includes an application, an essay and a personal interview.

We hope that the Tech Trek campers continue to study STEM subjects and ultimately pursue a career in these fields.

For more information about AAUW and helping support Tech Trek, visit https://www.aauw-ca.org/ , https://www.aauw-ca.org/about-us/ , https://www.aauw-ca.org/tech-trek/ , https://www.aauw-ca.org/join-us-2/