AAUW Tech Trek

A TECH TREK JOURNEY

Tech Trek has taken me on a journey from 2003 as a dorm mom to co-director of the camp at UC Irvine. I remember Jane Pace asking for volunteers for dorm mom in 2003. I have not looked back since then. As part of Tech Trek, you meet fantastic women who are dedicated to the idea of informing young girls of the wonders of science, technology, engineering , math (STEM), and so much more.

The journey involves: teachers who select the students, volunteers who accept and interview the girls, volunteers who stay in the dorms with the girls, the teachers and staff who dedicate time to pass on their knowledge. In the atmosphere of dorm life, the young girls learn about teamwork, about themselves. We all wonder at their enthusiasm, their knowledge and their spirit.

Besides the core classes offered, the girls rotate through evening mini-classes and go on field trips. I know all these experiences will last the girls through a lifetime. Those of us who volunteer in any way for Tech Trek walk away with a sense of achievement. We, in a small way, have been part of a movement to “bridge that gap”.

Go to the Tech Trek website for a short video presentation.

Jan Cook