Three Venado Middle School Girls Win Tech Trek Scholarships

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) of Laguna Beach has awarded Tech Trek scholarships to three Venado Middle School students: Bea Lansigan, Venus Rong, and Hemakshi Malik. These students will engage in hands-on STEM activities during a week-long program at the University of California, San Diego. They will learn forensic techniques similar to those featured in "Crime Scene Investigation" and visit the DIII-D National Fusion Facility for advanced fusion energy activities. The AAUW Laguna Beach Foundation fully funds these scholarships and has sponsored middle school girls in Irvine for the past four years. The program aims to inspire young girls to pursue STEM careers by providing them with real-world experiences and connections to female professionals.

The initiative underscores the importance of fostering interest in STEM among young women, addressing the gender gap in these fields. By exposing participants to challenging and engaging activities, the program seeks to empower the next generation of female leaders in STEM. This investment in education reflects a broader commitment to promoting gender equality and diversity within scientific disciplines.