Speech Trek News, By Ann Arneill, Speech Trek Co-Director
Speech Trek, AAUW’s public speaking contest, is in its 16th year. The very timely topic for
2022-23 is “How can communities, organizations, and citizens of all ages help protect and expand voting rights?”
We work with the nine high schools in the Elk Grove Unified School District and recruit students to compete in the contest that will be held this academic year on Feb. 18, 2023. We hope to hold the contest in person this year at Cosumnes River College.
Students deliver 5-to-6-minute speeches extemporaneously for cash prizes ranging from $200 to $500. The local winner can go on to the statewide competition to compete for a prize of $1,500.
The committee is currently busy planning for student recruitment and scheduling workshops. We hope for a successful year.
On Jan. 14, 2023, we will hold the Speech Trek Challenge, designed for AAUW members to attend to discuss the topic in anticipation of the student contest.
Tech Trek is Getting Ready for a Great New Year, By Cathy Locke
Tech Trek, under the new leadership of co-chairs Mary Miller and Lori Franz, is busy planning 
for a great new year.
After a short hiatus and the COVID slow-down of Tech Trek activities, our branch committee is actively making plans for funding, recruiting and selecting participants for the 2023 camp at UC Davis.
Nurturing and encouraging girls in the STEM fields is an important part of the AAUW mission as we support the education of women. Our branch continues to be proud of the impact we have had in our local community through opportunities provided for many campers over the years.
Do you have a fondness for STEM or simply a desire to increase educational opportunities for young women? The Tech Trek Committee welcomes your enthusiasm, ideas and support!