Tech Trek STEM Camp (2026-2027,2024-2025, 2023-2024)
For over 20 years, AAUW has provided under-served girls in California and the Coachella Valley with an extraordinary opportunity to explore STEM through a week long university-based experience, followed by ongoing programs and support throughout high school.
The program begins with an orientation for both students and their parents. Selected 7th-grade girls then attend Tech Trek, a residential STEM summer camp held on a college or university campus, where they are fully immersed in campus life. The week includes room and board, hands-on instruction in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, STEM-related educational materials, field trips, and interactive workshops. Camp instruction is led by credentialed middle and high school teachers, along with professional women working in STEM careers.
The goals of this program are to inspire middle school girls to pursue academic and career pathways in STEM by providing engaging, hands-on learning experiences and meaningful interactions with women role models. Through collaborative problem-solving activities, workshops, and field experiences, participants develop confidence, curiosity, leadership skills, and an awareness of the many opportunities available in STEM fields.
A key component of the program is the university campus experience. During the weeklong camp, participants have the opportunity to live like college students—residing in dormitories, sharing a room with a fellow camper, using communal facilities, dining in campus dining halls, and exploring the campus under the careful supervision of staff. This experience helps girls envision themselves pursuing higher education and future careers in STEM.
Throughout the program, girls connect with women who serve as mentors and role models, exposing them to a wide range of academic and professional opportunities. Following the summer camp experience, participants continue their engagement through AAUW's alumnae program, which provides year-round STEM activities, mentoring, leadership development, and college and career exploration opportunities for girls in grades 8–12.
Each fall, the girls showcase their learning by presenting their projects at a Recognition Tea attended by family members, community leaders, donors, and supporters. This event celebrates their accomplishments and highlights the impact of the program.
Since 2001, AAUW Coachella Valley has sent more than 250 local girls to Tech Trek. The program has demonstrated remarkable success, with 96% of participants going on to attend college. These outcomes reflect the transformative impact of early exposure to STEM education, mentorship, and higher education experiences.
Generous grants from ACF have enabled us to increase the number of girls we are able to send each year, allowing us to reach more underserved students throughout the Coachella Valley. In addition to grant funding, we conduct community fundraisers, solicit donations from members and supporters, and pursue funding opportunities from local cities, businesses, and community organizations.
Thanks to ACF's continued support, we have been able to expand this life-changing program and provide opportunities for more girls to discover their potential in STEM. Our goal is to continue growing the program, reaching more underserved girls across the Coachella Valley, increasing the number of young women pursuing STEM-related studies and careers, and engaging the broader community in creating pathways for their future success.
Palm Springs Branch TT Co-Coordinator: Janet Hartzler Braslow, M.D.
Email: jhbraslow@gmail.com
President AAUW Palm Springs Branch: Kathi Farber
Email: farberkathi@gmail.com
