Six middle school girls from East Jefferson County recently attended Tech Trek, a weeklong science and math summer camp sponsored by the American Association of University Women.
Abigail Kithcart, Sarah Lee, Julianne Short and Tiger Varah from Blue Heron Middle School; Hunter Haralson from Chimacum Middle School; and McKenzie Kieffer from Quilcene School District joined more than 80 other girls from throughout the state at Tech Trek from July 20-26.
They lived in the dorms at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma and attended science, technology, engineering and math classes, labs and field trips.
Tech Trek is designed to encourage girls to think about becoming scientists, engineers, mathematicians and computer technologists — careers in which women are typically underrepresented.
“Because of Tech Trek, I realized there are so many opportunities out there for me,” Lee said.
“I’m also thinking of having a career in technology.”
During the week, the girls attended a daily math or science core class of their choice and lab sessions, including computer programming.
They also participated in a host of hands-on activities and had their choice of field trips to the Museum of Flight, the Pacific Science Center or Northwest Trek.
“I am so very happy that I was able to go to Tech Trek,” Kithcart said.
“I learned so many new things and met so many new people and friends.
“I hope to see the program continue so more girls can experience this amazing summer camp.”
The six girls, who will be eighth-graders in the fall, were nominated by their math and science teachers, interviewed by members of the AAUW Port Townsend branch and selected for camp scholarships.
Funding for the scholarships came from two area business sponsors, Power Trip Energy Corp. and Emerald Reed Co., Inc., as well as AAUW-PT members, AAUW Washington, AAUW National and the University Women’s Foundation of Jefferson County, a nonprofit founded by AAUW-PT members.
For more information, call Anne Englander at 360 390-5896 or visit http://pt-wa.aauw.net.
