5 County Residents Attend Tech Trek Camp at Stockton University

GALLOWAY – It’s summer in Cape May County and five girls, recommended by their middle school math/science teachers, returned home July 21-22.
Lindsey of Green Creek, Allyson of North Cape May, Serenity of Wildwood, Jada of Woodbine and Eliana of Court House spent a week at Stockton University, living the dorm life, attending workshops and going on STEM-related field trips.
STEM, the popular acronym in education, stands for “science, technology education and math/medicine.” Some districts add an “a” for art, STEAM.
For the last four years, Stockton University has hosted 62 girls, who will be entering the eighth grade in fall. Over 150 girls throughout the state of New Jersey applied for Tech Trek Camp.
Only 60 were chosen, after a selection committee interviewed the girls and their parents. The qualifiers included passion and potential.
The girls paid $50 each for the week-long adventure while the American Association of University Women (AAUW) fundraised for the balance of the funds; a need of over $150,000.
The camp is under the supervision of Camp Director Ann Marchesani of Ocean City, co-directed by Stockton University’s Dean of Education Claudine Keenan of Galloway, and Gail Davis of Ocean City as director of student selection.
At Professional Women’s Night, a highlight of Tech Trek Camp, the 60 campers participated with 36 professional STEM women and 12 moderators in three sessions of speed networking. A dinner buffet followed.
The professional women inspired campers to continue exploring the variety of STEM careers available to them as they plan for high school and college.
Professional women participating from Cape May County included Eleanor Bochenek, Cheryl Brewer, Dr. Amy Burhanna, Stormy Freese, Heidi Hanlon, Freeholder E. Marie Hayes, Nicole Licata, Lt. Ashlee Marriner, Dr. Anita Raghuwanski, Dr. Monique Scally, and Kendra Verity.
To learn more about Tech Trek Camp or to become part of the women’s professional team, view the informative video at elevate.stockton.edu. Click onto Tech Trek Camp video, go to AAUWSTEMCAMP@stockton.edu or http:/techtrek-N.J.aauw.ne