AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN
PARADISE BRANCH

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WHAT WE DO IN PARADISE

AAUW TECH TREK WINNERS 2008
TIA STRAND, NATALIE CRAWFORD & MELODIE GLASSER
STANFORD, JULY 2008

 

2008 Framces Pence Scholarship Recipients
Presenter Jane Lesko with winners Rachel Moore &
LeAnn Ballentine

 

Tech Trek

Each year the Paradise Branch of the American Association of University Women selects and sponsers two to three 
young women to attend Tech Trek Summer Science Camp at Stanford.

 
The week long residential summer camp offers 13-year old girls entering the eighth
grade a spectrum of hands-on-activities in math, science and technology, with core
classes, mini labs, a marine biology trip, field trips and special evening activities.
All teachers, presenters and staff members are women and, except for core teachers,
all volunteer their time.

 Paradise Branch campers live in college dormitories at Stanford University, eat in the dining commons and experience life as it is lived on a college campus.  Because many girls are from families who have never been to college, we want our Tech Trekkers to see that college is, indeed, possible for them.

 Science teachers from local schools nominate students, who demonstrate academic potential in science and math and would profit from this experience. Since first attending Tech Trek in 1999 (first camp was in 1998), Paradise Branch has sent
twenty seven young women to Stanford University, with two returning as Junior Counselors.

 Paradise AAUW’s involvement with past campers does not end when they return home. 
Tracking is continued through high school and into college.  Also, our former campers 
have been involved in Branch programs and in community events.

There will be seven camps held in California during the 2009 summer.  Recently,
Tech Trek completed a survey of campers from the first four years, to see where they are now and what affect the program had on their futures.  The results are rewarding and a very large number said that Tech Trek gave them confidence to take those difficult high school courses that opened up their futures and to battle the still-existing barriers for women in science and technology.

 The program cost is currently $800 per camper.  Donations specifically for scholarships
are welcome and are tax exempt through the AAUW California SPF (Special Projects Fund).

 Educational Foundation
Each year our branch sponsors fund-raising events on behalf of the Foundation which awards over 2 million dollars annually.  This money has enabled over 6,000 women to pursue advanced graduate degrees and funds educational research and projects.  Three Paradise women have received EF grants.

Legal Advocacy Fund
LAF provides funding and support systems for university women seeking judicial redress for discrimination, harassment and tenure issues.

Public Policy
AAUW uses legislative advocates and the collective voice to influence local, state and federal legislation.  Articles in our newsletter, Branching Out, and online, assist members in staying informed and working on current issues.

Career Development
Members participate in several programs for girls including a day long conference on the California, State University Chico campus.  Local workshops also educate girls on career development in math and science.  Each year one or more 7th graders are sent to Tech Trek, an AAUW sponsored summer camp held at Stanford University.

Special Events
In summer an informational booth at the Paradise Farmers Market puts us in direct contact with community members.  In March members portray historical and present day women for local schools and the community, highlighting the achievements of women.

General Meetings
Meetings, day and evening, are open to members and the public and are held monthly, September through May.  Meetings focus on international programs, current educational issues, women's health and local issues.

Local Scholarships
Paradise Branch offers aid to local women attending Butte College through the Frances Pence Memorial Re-entry Scholarship Fund.

Community Connection
AAUW networks with community groups to support local issues and to promote voter education.  We support school music concerts with financial contributions and member involvement.

Interest Groups
Interest groups, open to all members, meet monthly for continuing education, friendships and just plain fun!
    Groups currently available are:
     Book Discussion (Day and Evening)
    Bridge (couples and singles)
    Dining Out Groups
    Gourmet Dining
    Gadabouts
    Hiking
    Potluck Supper/Brunch