Gridley Branch AAUW recognized four local students during a June 23 Meet and Greet Dessert before they depart for the 2026 Tech Trek STEM camp at UC Davis. Pictured are Victoria Solis, Annalee Zarate, Amelia Byrd and Mackenzie Bole. Photo by Tracy Howell

 

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The Gridley Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) recognized four local students during a Meet and Greet Dessert held June 23 at Round Table Pizza before they depart for the 2026 Tech Trek summer camp at the University of California, Davis.

The students selected to attend this year's camp are Victoria Solis, Annalee Zarate and Amelia Byrd from Sycamore Middle School, along with Mackenzie Bole from Manzanita Elementary School.

Founded in 1881, AAUW promotes equity and education for women and girls. Its Tech Trek program, launched in California in 1998, encourages young women entering eighth grade to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics through hands-on learning experiences.

The one-week residential camp at UC Davis allows students to stay in campus dormitories, participate in STEM workshops and collaborate with other campers from across Northern California. Organizers said the program is designed to build confidence, spark interest in STEM fields and encourage participants to pursue future educational and career opportunities in science and technology.

Students attend Tech Trek through scholarships funded by AAUW members, community organizations, memorial donations and individual supporters. Seventh grade science and math teachers nominate candidates, who then complete an application, write an essay and participate in a personal interview before being selected.

Gridley Branch AAUW President Tracy Howell said being chosen for Tech Trek is a significant achievement and recognized this year's campers for their academic accomplishments.

Those interested in joining Gridley Branch AAUW or supporting the Tech Trek program can contact Howell at 530-755-6144 or email [email protected] or visit http://aauw.org and http://aauw-ca.org/jemison-uc-davis.