Since 1998, American Association of University Women has been changing the lives of girls through the Tech Trek program. It is a nationwide experiential summer camp for eighth grade girls designed to create interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). There are currently 14 campuses that hold these summer camps.

On Oct. 10, the local AAUW featured Leslie Edwards, a program graduate who has continued her work with the program. Edwards went on to college and earned a degree in Civil Engineering and now works for the Kern County Public Works Department. Leslie is also the Assistant Director of the Fresno Tech Trek Camp. She spoke of the importance of these camps for young women interested in math, engineering and sciences.

With her were three of the four girls from Tehachapi who attended Tech Trek this year. Maddy (Madeline) Richmond attended the Whittier campus taking CSI, ballooning and working in the cadaver lab. She hopes to become a veterinarian.

Abby Aguilar attended the Fresno campus studying Hot Air Ballooning. Her group built and flew their own balloon. Abby would like to some day be a pediatrician.

Hannah Weinstein attended the Santa Barbara campus to study ecology. Her goal is to become an engineer. She thanked the AAUW for sending her.