Anderson selected for Tech Trek

Sharon Anderson has been selected to attend Tech Trek, a seven day science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) camp to be held July 20 through July 26 at Pacific Lutheran University.

Tech Trek is an American Association of University Women sponsored learning experience for girls who are entering the eighth grade.

Anderson applied for the camp and was selected by her teachers. The Ritzville branch of the AAUW and Washington State AAUW sponsored her scholarship.

“Girls are immersed in a world that empowers and encourages them to think about what their future can be. “ Said Maureen Harder, math teacher at Lind-Ritzville Middle School and AAUW member. ”It is an incredible opportunity for Sharon. Given this opportunity at this age opens possibilities that she may have not considered. I hope this is available to girls every year.”

Anderson and other campers will attend daily core classes in math or science and participate in hands on learning activities enriched by opportunities for the girls to interact with women STEM professionals.

Campers in Washington last year took part in activities like building and launching model rockets, building model bridges and roller coasters, fingerprinting, DNA extraction, blood patterns and the chemistry of soap making.

They also learned how to use an online computer program; make ice cream using dry ice; simulate meiosis with genetic trait models; explore models of hands and how the tendons, ligaments and bones work together; and more. Many of the girls begin to think of themselves as future scientists, engineers, mathematicians and computer specialists after participating in this camp.

The camp is designed to develop girls’ interest, excitement and self-confidence in STEM fields. Its alumnae are more likely than their peers to take advanced science and math classes and eventually to go to college.

Tech Trek started in 1998 with one site in California and in 15 years had grown to 10 camps on eight college campuses throughout California.

Last year AAUW expanded the program to five other states: Florida, Ohio, Oklahoma and Washington. Tech Trek continues to grow expanding into Alabama, New Mexico and Oregon.