Virtual Tech Trek is designed to provide campers with exposure to computer science and engineering, along with workshops designed to explore individual STEM specialties more deeply using a hands-on or interactive approach. Hands-on activities, inspirational speakers, and interactive workshops help to make STEM subjects fun as well as educational. Trained instructors and coaching staff including near-peer Tech Trek alumnae, work alongside credentialed teachers, and women in STEM-related careers.

This is a week-long virtual camp for rising 8th grade girls. The camp is centered on a morning  project-based robotics/engineering/coding class that meets daily and results in a personalized creation by week’s end. After lunch, the campers hear from inspirational women for an hour, then participate in one or more 90-minute hands-on or interactive science, technology, engineering, and math workshops to encourage fun while learning.  They can return for evening workshops with girls from another country, social activities, or even parent sessions.

 While the university campus continues to be an integral component of the Tech Trek experience, it is one that must be forgone this year.  The virtual camp addresses an equally critical component:  exposure to STEM subjects in a welcoming community. Under the careful supervision of trained coaching staff in a low 3:1 camper-to-staff ratio, and using kits distributed prior to camp, the campers will interact with women who model a high degree of science, technology, engineering, or math expertise as part of their daily lives.

In 2021, three Monday-Friday weeks are currently scheduled:  

• June 21-25
• July 12-16
• July 26-30  

Each camp will serve approximately 300 campers from all over California.

Students at participating schools are nominated by their teachers. Parents can contact the middle school guidance counselor or science teacher or their local branch to see if their school is participating. The nomination and selection process will begin after January 2021.

Check back regularly for updates. If you have questions, contact the Virtual Camp Director at [email protected].