August 2025
AAUW of Porterville join attended Coffee with the CEO a local monthly networking event held by the Porterville Chamber, to recognize local businesses that sponsored the June 2025 InnovateHER STEM Camp at Porterville College. Because of these sponsors, young girls had the opportunity to spend a week exploring science, technology, engineering, and math and building skills and confidence for the future.
We’re so grateful for the partnerships that make events like these meaningful and impactful for our community.
June 2025
To watch a summary of InnovateHer week activities, follow this link: June 23-26 InnovateHer Video
InnovateHER STEM Camp Inspires Future Leaders at Porterville College
The AAUW Porterville Branch proudly launched the first-ever InnovateHER: Girls in STEM Discovery Camp this summer at Porterville College—an exciting four-day experience designed to spark curiosity and confidence in the next generation of women in STEM.
In partnership with Porterville College, the camp welcomed seven rising seventh-grade students from Porterville Unified and Burton School Districts. These bright young learners immersed themselves in hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics activities while building connections with mentors and peers in a supportive environment.
Throughout the week, students tackled real-world STEM challenges that encouraged creative problem-solving and critical thinking. From constructing drones and exploring artificial intelligence to building structures from everyday materials and experimenting with 3D pens and virtual reality, participants embraced each opportunity with enthusiasm and innovation.
The energy and determination displayed by the campers exceeded all expectations—one activity even had to be modified mid-session after the students solved it faster than anticipated. Their ability to collaborate, adapt, and think critically demonstrated the remarkable potential that exists when girls are given space to thrive in STEM environments.
The camp concluded with a celebratory showcase, where students presented their projects to an audience of proud family members, school leaders, and community sponsors. Their confidence and excitement were evident as they shared their reflections and accomplishments from the week.
According to national data, women continue to represent only 28% of the STEM workforce. Programs like InnovateHER aim to help close this gap by introducing girls to STEM at a pivotal stage in their academic journeys—just before entering middle school, when many begin to lose interest in these subjects.
This inaugural camp was made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors: Subway, J&R Meats, Night Owl Media, OACYS Technology, Shop N Save Market, and the Sandy Williams Estate. Their contributions ensured all participants had access to high-quality materials and experiences at little to no cost.
The AAUW Porterville Branch is committed to continuing and expanding this effort. Plans are already underway to make InnovateHER an annual event, with the goal of doubling the number of participants in the coming year.
Students, instructors, and AAUW Members come together for a group photo at the close of the camp.
March 2025
Celebration of 144 year National Anniversary and and 95 years in Porterville Anniversary
95th Year anniversary Celebration
May 2024
AAUW participated in the Spring Festival hosted by the Porterville Chamber of Commerce on May 11, 2024.
April 2024
AAUW had its April membership meeting. New officers were selected
Here is a group picture:
Joining us on April 20th as guests Ray, Marilyn and Evalynn Cha’s family.
ELECTION RESULTS for 24/25
Executive Officers:
María Román – President
Ena See – Recorder
Treasurer – Open
Appointed Officers:
Claudia Calderon: Website
Shayla Locke: Spotlight Newsletter Editor
Patty Serrato/Raffaella Woods: Marketing/Membership VP’s
Porterville Tech Trek Coordinator: Open
March 2024 Newsletter
February 2024 Newsletter
January 27, 2024
AAUW held a paint day event at Imagine Arts Center, followed by its membership meeting where by-laws were updated to the new National by-laws removing the education requirement to be a member of AAUW.
December 2023:
In December AAUW held a NON-EVENT fundraiser!
Your donation will support your local AAUW and help us continue to accomplish our mission to advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy; without leaving the comfort of your home.
November 16, 2023:
AAUW Porterville Branch Meeting & Porterville College Innovation Center Tour
Porterville College 100 E College Ave
October 25, 2023 – Monthly Membership meeting
At the October membership meeting a presentation was received by three scholars, where they presented on their experiences at Tech Trek and beyond. Additionally the Porterville College AAUW/Dematteis/Osher scholarship recipient reviewed her current career goals and accomplishments.
Here are some pictures from the meeting
Tech Trek participants presenting to the membership
Tech Trek participants sharing their experiences
JUNE 2023 – Strategic Planning Meeting
May 2023 – Celebration of 93rd Year Anniversary of AAUW Porterville
2018
Tech Trekker Yesenia is joined by Porterville branch members Virginia Gurrola and Maria Roman after receiving the Commission Honorifica’s Youth Leadership Award 2018.