Tech Trek summer camp July 12-18 at New Mexico Highlands University. Courtesy/NMHU
NMHU News:
Tech Trek, a week-long summer camp focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) for girls going into eighth grade, is returning July 12-18 for the second year to the campus of New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) in Las Vegas.
Elizabeth Ratzlaff is the camp director. The Tech Trek summer camp is sponsored by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), both nationally and in New Mexico. Tech Trek builds on AAUW’s research report Why So Few? Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, which demonstrates that camps like Tech Trek improve girls’ interests in STEM. Girls benefit greatly from exposure to STEM role models, knowing that they, too, can excel in STEM fields.
Thirty-five to 50 girls will be chosen from across the state of New Mexico to attend the camp, where they will gain first-hand knowledge of real world applications of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), in a fun-filled, hands-on college environment. More information is located at http://techtrek-nm.aauw.net.
Seventh-grade science and math teachers in New Mexico are encouraged to nominate up to five students for the summer program. After being nominated, students will complete an application and interview process before final selections are made in early April. Cost for the camp is only $50 per student as the program is funded by the AAUW, a national organization dedicated to empowering women and girls, as well as by New Mexico businesses and individuals.
“The feedback we received from girls and their parents last year was overwhelmingly positive. AAUW-NM is proud to again offer Tech Trek NM, this year at New Mexico Highlands University. This camp has the potential to lead girls into exciting and successful STEM careers,” President of AAUW-NM Karyl Lyne said.
Local community, corporate, personal and in-kind contributions will be needed to make this event a success. Anyone wishing to support this exciting opportunity for local girls by contributing or volunteering, should contact the Tech Trek planning team at techtrekNM@gmail.com.
