The first STEM Trek Day was held in 2017, and it continues to be an annual event for girls ages 12 to 18 from throughout the Tahoe, Truckee, and Carson City areas.
That first event was organized by Tech Trek coordinator Meri McEneny and the NT AAUW leadership team, but it now involves several AAUW branches. It has been honored by AAUW California as an outstanding mission-based program.
The primary aim of STEM Trek Day is to enhance the girls’ involvement with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and encourage them to attend college. It also promotes their involvement with AAUW and its mission to advance equity for women and girls.
The girls spend the day learning about STEM subjects and career possibilities from presentations by women scientists or STEMinists (STEM + scientist), engineers, and mathematicians. The participants enjoy hands-on and team-building activities designed by the presenters.
The panel that spoke at the first Stem Trek Day set a high bar for presentations. Here’s the agenda:
- Kathleen Scully, Senior Staff Scientist, SANFORD BURNHAM PREBYS Medical Discovery Institute, presented CRISPR How A Discovery Was Made.
- Serita Cox, former tech executive and founder of a non-profit to aid foster children. Her talk: Steel Toed Heels, How to Become a Leader in Tech and Business.
- Ashley Phillips & Jan Ellis, environmental educators, Sierra Watershed Education Partnerships (SWEP) spoke on Spontaneous Problem Solving. Ashley & Jan also led a Rim Trail hike.
- Jasmine Woodworth, former aerospace engineer, presented Women in Aerospace Engineering.
- Nancy McNair, North Tahoe School mathematics teacher talked about Fun with Math.
- Christine Ngai Ryan, aquatic ecologist described her field with Biologists: Who Are We, and Why Are We an Interesting Bunch?
Dr. Scully: Crisper
After Stem Trek Day was launched, the program continued every summer to introduce girls interested in STEM to leaders in their fields. Women scientists ranging from environmentalists to public health advocates, software engineers to medical professionals. Speakers included a pilot and, yes, a rocket scientist!
The ups and downs of blood pressure
Hands-on math
North Tahoe Tech Trek alumnae are especially popular and motivating speakers. For instance aquatic biologist Maiya Greenwood (TT 2005) and propulsion engineer Julia Levy (TT 2005) described their careers. They are true role models.
Many presenters have had a personal connection to a North Tahoe branch member, and they were eager to participate. Women working in STEM know we need more women working in STEM professions. They also understand the importance of offering hands-on learning. Every year, branch members who attend these events enjoy and learn right alongside the girls, and often they assist with hands-on activities. Members might explain how skills can be used in a future profession. We have all learned so much through our careers!