Closing the Gender STEM Gap

Chico’s American Association of University Women Supports STEM Education

_{*Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math education (STEM)}

The path to women’s economic empowerment and independence is through education. Michelle Obama is globally adamant about this, quoted as saying, “When girls are educated, their countries become stronger and more prosperous.”

Breaking the Glass Ceiling

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) takes this matter seriously through their continued advocacy that supports women and girls. Touted as the nation’s leading voice in placing equity and education at the forefront of today’s issues, the AAUW helps create a level playing field that breaks through barriers to education so that all women and girls have an equal chance at achieving a higher education. The Chico branch has been rolling up its sleeves and charging ahead with this mission since 1920. Their programs aim to close the gender gap through STEM education.

Tech Trek

One very special program the AAUW has organized for the last 18 years is called Tech Trek. This program is an all-scholarship, all-volunteer event supporting STEM for eighth-grade girls. The girls can meet professionals in fields that interest them so that they gain mentorship and hands-on experience. From studying the brain and general anatomy to making solar-powered cars and studying sound mechanics, the girls have a lot to take home with them after their week at Tech Trek.

The selection process involves collaborating with science and math teachers throughout Butte County. These educators identify students in their classes who they think would be great candidates. The nominees come in for an interview and are required to write an essay. Then, AAUW members tackle the tough task of selecting seven girls from a large pool of applicants.

Antique Appraisal Faire – a Fundraiser for Tech Trek at UC Davis

“We send the girls to Davis for a week-long camp, and we pick up the cost of $900 per student to do that,” says Jan Britton, a co-president of the Chico AAUW.
Chico’s AAUW organizes an annual fundraiser called the Antique Appraisal Faire to raise funds for Tech Trek. Do you want to know the value of a special item of yours? With nine experienced appraisers, you’ll have that opportunity on Sunday, February 23, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Chico Women’s Club. Proceeds from the appraisal fees at this annual Antique Appraisal Faire will all go to funding the costs of attending Tech Trek this year.

STEM Adventure

Another program the AAUW organizes is called STEM Adventure, formerly known as Career Trek. The program allows middle-school-age girls to attend a full day at Butte College. While on-campus, they attend three presentations given by professional women in the STEM fields and use the Butte College science labs for demonstrations.

“Research shows that by the time a girl goes into high school, she’s pretty much stamped herself as ineligible to participate in STEM subject matter.,” says Kathy Sweet, Chico AAUW co-president. “STEM Adventure gets middle-school-age girls aware of options they have, and talents they have, so they can make a choice they did not have any idea was open to them,” Any girl in Butte County can attend this one-day event, and AAUW will waive the small fee for eligible applicants. This event takes place from 8:30 am-3 pm on February 25 on the Butte College campus. Applications for STEM Adventure are available at Chico middle schools Jan. 21 through Feb. 15. For more information, call Jana Lawton at (530)894-1843. Parents are welcome to attend. Please visit the local calendar to learn more.

In addition to Tech Trek and STEM Adventure, Chico’s AAUW organizes many other events. If you feel inspired to support this organization and its vision to empower women and girls, you may opt to join the AAUW and become a member or offer a donation.

Founded in 1881, the AAUW now has more than 1,000 branches across the country. This year, AAUW’s Chico branch will celebrate its 100th anniversary at the Butte Creek Country Club from 2 – 5 p.m. Also, in May, look for the AAUW in the Chico Pioneer Day Parade. Find out more about how Chico’s AAUW supports young girls and their scholastic endeavors by visiting their website.