About Tech Trek

Tech Trek is a program begun by Marie Wolbach in 1997. It is based on an AAUW study about the scarcity of women in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. The study indicated that girls started losing interest in math and science by the end of 7th grade. Marie Wolbach and others developed the idea of establishing a residential camp on a college campus for one week. The girls ready to enter 8th grade would be taught by women that math and science were viable career options to explore while at the same time forming friendships with like-minded girls in the state of California. The program has grown every year and the San Francisco Branch sends 15 girls each summer. Since 2021, we have added virtual camps as well.

Students become exposed to different STEM fields and careers through a variety of classes, workshops, and demonstrations on campus for residential camps and online for virtual camps. AAUW covers the cost for the girls to attend camps with a small co-pay for families, which may be waived if needed. In previous years, we sent the girls to Stanford, CSU Fresno, Mills College, and Sonoma State camps. In 2024, the girls attended camp at CSU Fresno, UC Santa Cruz, or online.

For more information about this program, visit AAUW California Tech Trek, Tech Trek – AAUW, or contact us! 

Apply to Tech Trek Camp

The process begins with a 7th grade science or math or other STEM teacher nominating girls for the program based on enthusiasm for STEM, a B grade or higher in those subjects, maturity and lack of opportunity to attend this type of camp. The date for all nominations is in mid January. Once nominated, the girls receive and complete an application online. These are due to AAUW California by the end of February. In person interviews follow in March and campers are chosen the last week of March. Camps are held in June and July. 

Donate

You can help Tech Trek by joining the Tech Trek Committee to help with the application process, interviews, choosing the girls and more. You may also donate to the program. Checks are made out to AAUW-CA SPF with Tech Trek-SF in the memo line. Send the checks to our AAUW-SF, P.O. Box 31405, San Francisco, CA 94131-0405. 

Camp Photos

 

Camper Testimonials

“Tech Trek has been an incredible experience. I couldn’t imagine starting eighth-grade year without it. The camp has not only given me new perspectives on science and math but overall taught me many life skills needed. An example is when we used math to calculate how to manage money and how to spend it. I’ve met many phenomenal women and girls who enjoy STEM through this camp, which makes me hopeful about my future.”

– Callista (Tech Trekker 2022)

“Thank you for making this wonderful camp experience possible. I had no idea I would meet so many fun and inspiring girls and women. I was given the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and pursue one of my greatest interests, encouraging me to push myself and be fearless! For that, I will be forever grateful. I gained more independence, team building skills, and empathy. I know I’ve grown and matured vastly. I’m going to move forward with all of the valuable life lessons I’ve acquired at Tech Trek, equipping me to be successful. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. I hope my reciprocated energy is fulfilling”

– Gina (Tech Trekker 2022)