Support
Lake/Sumter AAUW supports STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education for girls and women interested in STEM fields and college scholarships for women from Lake and Sumter Counties.
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Tech Trek Campership Awards
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Tech Trek is a week-long STEM-focused residential camp for girls going into the 8th grade. Hosted by AAUW-Florida, the camp is held on a university campus; it is designed to develop interest and excitement about STEM fields as well as self-confidence in young women. Campers are nominated by teachers and AAUW branches to attend. The university campus experience gives girls a chance to think about the kinds of opportunities a college education can afford them. Hands-on instruction and field trips encourage maximum interaction and instruction in environments where STEM professionals work.
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Support begins with 7th-grade girls who have excelled and showed interest in their STEM classes. Their teachers' nominations lead to their participation in AAUW-Florida's Tech Trek. After fielding applications and conducting interviews with the girls and their parents, our TechTrek Team forwards names to AAUW-Florida for final selections.
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In 2020, Tech Trek was cancelled due to Covid. But in 2021 the camp was virtual; it will be offered in that format as well in 2022. Three of our 2021 Tech Trek campers came to our January 2022 General Meeting to tell us about their camp experience. View the videos they made about their time at Tech Trek to see the impact of our support.
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Since 2014, Lake/Sumter AAUW has sent over 40 girls to Tech Trek. And in 2022, we are delighted to send nine more rising 8th grade girls from Lake and Sumter Counties to this unique STEM education experience.
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For more information about Tech Trek, visit AAUW-Florida's Tech Trek. Or email our branch Tech Trek Team.
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Berlyn W.
Tech Trek 2022
Berlyn W's mother sent us a message on our Facebook page about her daughter's experience at Tech Trek in June 2022.
Read the Message
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Two of our 2019 Tech Trek Campers
Three 2021 Tech Trek campers with Sumter County STEM Coordinator and branch Tech Trek Chair.
Sending other girls to Tech Trek is crucial so they can have a learning experience that breaks them out of their shell... Jayley L.
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I learned never to give up. Kila S.
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My core class...gave me a better idea of what I want to do later in life. Aspyn W.
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College Scholarship Awards
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The Lake/Sumter branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers scholarships to women who have completed the first two years or 60 undergraduate credits of a bachelors degree.
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Each year we award scholarships to support women as they complete the last two years of their undergraduate work. Winners receive an award for their junior year and, assuming progress, they receive a continuing award for their senior year.
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The application process begins in the fall, and winners are presented at our May General Meeting. Since 1988, we have awarded over 40 scholarships to deserving young women.
Email the Scholarship Committee for more information, and download criteria for our scholarship program.
Recent Scholarship Recipients
“The AAUW's scholarship has helped me in so many ways. . . The scholarship has allowed me to buy my textbooks and pay for lab fees without financial worries. I cannot thank you enough for the scholarship and the opportunities it has created and will continue to create for my time at UF.”
Shelby M.
“The scholarship has made a huge difference in my life. I would not be in the degree program I am currently in without the help of the AAUW. The donors and the women of AAUW opened the door for me to attend UCF and pursue my dreams for my future career. Thank you for all that you have done for me, and I hope to one day repay the generosity you have shown me to future students in need.”
Hannah D.
“Receiving the AAUW scholarship changed my life. It has given me the chance to concentrate on my studies at Lake Sumter State College, rather than trying to balance a work life and a school and motherhood. I hope one day I can give back and change someone’s life like the AAUW members have changed mine.”
Nikita G.
Donations
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We welcome donations for mission-driven branch programs, including Tech Trek for rising 8th grade girls Scholarships for college/university women completing their baccalaureate degrees.
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Tax Status
American Association of University Women Lake/Sumter Branch, Inc. is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization and is registered with the State of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Donations may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
If you are considering making a contribution please contact our branch President or Finance Director for additional information.
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