Seventh-grade student Haley Farrow was selected to attend a weeklong TechTrek Camp this summer at Stockton University.
DeMasi Middle School seventh-grade student Haley Farrow is one of 60 young women from the state selected to attend a weeklong TechTrek Camp this summer at Stockton University. Presented by the American Association of University Women, Tech Trek Camp features hands-on science and technology classes, opportunities to meet women role models in the STEM fields and a unique college campus experience.
“I am excited to learn more about the STEM fields. I have become especially interested in science this year after learning all about DNA,” said Haley, who is currently taking a STEM elective at DeMasi.
AAUW’s goal for participants is to leave the camp with skills, confidence and inspiration that fuels a lifelong interest in the STEM fields. The Association targets seventh-grade females who not only have an interest in math and science, but also have potential to excel in those areas.
Haley’s teachers, Gwen Egan an Maureen Heenan, selected her as the applicant from DeMasi based on an essay submission. Haley then completed the involved Tech Trek Camp application process, which included writing essays and interviewing with representatives from AAUW. Haley’s parents, Brooke and John Farrow of Marlton, also participated in the interview process.
“I had to explain what I liked best about science and math, why I want to attend the camp and how I see myself using science to change the world,” Haley said.
Haley said that she would like work to find a cure for various types of cancer. Her determination to tackle such a lofty goal is fueled by her personal experience of watching her grandmother battle colon cancer.
As part of her camp experience this summer, Haley will receive training to serve as an ambassador for AAUW to speak to young women about STEM.
“Haley will be a great ambassador,” Heenan said. “She is both collaborative and dependable. We will be able to turnkey her experience to benefit other students at DeMasi.”
Both Heenan and Egan took Haley and 14 other female students to Stockton earlier this academic year to AAUW’s Tween Tech workshop, where the participants explored the possibilities of a career in science through a range of activities. It was here where Haley learned about the Tech Trek Summer Camp. Her experience in both DeMasi’s STEM elective and at Tween Tech prompted her to follow through with the Tech Trek application.
“We are thrilled that Haley, like so many of our students, is embracing our STEM curriculum and even opportunities outside of the classroom to further their learning,” said Danielle Magulick, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Evesham Township School District. “We aim to engage the students in these fields with hands-on activities and unique experiences as we know that there is, and will continue to be, a great demand for individuals with a STEM background in our workforce.”
