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The Humboldt Branch of the American Association of University Women recently sponsored six local middle school students to attend the 2026 Tech Trek Science Camp at Sonoma State University.
This weeklong science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) camp offered hands-on learning experiences, access to female scientists as role models and exposure to a range of science-based careers.
This year’s sponsored students were Lily Gardner from Sunny Brae Middle School, Willow Posey and Rose Lee Williams from Fortuna Middle School and Isabella Cadberry, Christine Kelley and Anisha O’Brien from Pacific Union Elementary School in Arcata.
Each was nominated by their science teachers in recognition of their aptitudes and interest in STEM-related topics and then selected based on written applications and interviews.
An AAUW press release says, “The girls reported back on how meaningful the camp experience was for them. Astronomy class introduced them to how telescopes work and how scientists are learning more about Exoplanets (planets that orbit stars outside our solar system). This sparked a new passion for Isabella, and led Anisha to decide she might want to be an astronomer in the future. Lily loved the lessons on plants, flowers, and seeds, turning botany class into new experiences by trying fermented foods and acai bowls (lots of seeds!). Christine learned how atoms work in chemistry class and Rose loved experiencing static electricity and building different types of electrical circuits. Willow has long wanted to be a crime scene investigator, so she was thrilled with the opportunity to dust and analyze finger prints, extract DNA from a strawberry and learn to read a blood scatter.
“The girls appreciated hearing from a panel of women scientists about career opportunities and being exposed to what life on a college campus is like. All the campers enjoyed meeting new people, making new friends, and learning new things. They enjoyed being challenged to try something new.”
The AAUW Tech Trek program was initiated in California in 1998 to develop girls’ interest, excitement, and self-confidence in STEM fields. The Humboldt Branch’s participation was organized by Eureka resident Gail Freeman in 2001 in memory of her daughter, Susan Freeman, who had been a leading STEM educator in the county.
AAUW-Humboldt supports AAUW’s mission to advance gender equity through research, education and advocacy. In addition to sponsoring local students at Tech Trek, the branch provides scholarships to women re-entering Cal Poly Humboldt as upper division or graduate students and offers awards to students from the county’s continuation high schools. It also hosts monthly meetings to promote community engagement. For more information, visit humboldt-ca.aauw.net.
 
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