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
|