Teentech Seton Hall 2016

On June 3, 2016, nearly 200 young women, grades 9-11, and 25 educators from thirteen high schools throughout New Jersey attended AAUW NJ Teentech 2016, at Seton Hall University, in South Orange.

At Teentech 2016, each student participated in two of the eleven workshops offered by Seton Hall faculty members. Workshops explored diverse topics such as: anatomy of the heart, water pollution, disease transmission, and big data mining. The Seton Hall faculty was appreciative of support from members of the Association for Computing Machinery’s Committee on Women in Computing (ACM-W) in developing the computer science related workshops.

The high school students’ experience was enriched by interaction with the many Seton Hall students who acted as campus escorts and workshop assistants, serving as role models and mentors for the younger students.

The educators participated in a lively discussion of “Pathways to a Great STEM Future,” informed by panelists: Mariel Kolker, Educator & AAUW NJ STEM Chair; Mallory Trachtenberg, Program Analyst, Women’s Bureau, US Department of Labor; Donna Scalia, Apprenticeship & Training Program Specialist, US Department of Labor – Office of Apprenticeship; Kerri Tyerman, PE, Project Manager, Dewberry; and Mary Clare Cullum, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, SHU.

Feedback from students and educators was very positive for all of the events, with everyone asking for more – more workshops, more hands-on, more students being allowed from each school.  Some of the comments we received from students: “I learned I really like science!” – “I had such an amazing time and it truly widened my vision for the future.” – “The speakers inspired me. I hope I can be like them.” Educators’ comments included: “Thanks!  I have some good ideas for how to recruit female students for engineering.” – “I got good ideas I can bring back to my classroom.” – “Great networking opportunity.”

Teentech 2016 would not have been possible without support from the AAUW NJ Charitable Trust and the dedication of nine volunteers from five AAUW NJ branches. We are very appreciative of everyone’s contributions!