Manchester 7th-Grader Earns Place In Competitive Summer STEM Program

MANCHESTER, NJ — A Manchester Township seventh-grader will get to join 60 other girls for a weeklong intensive STEM summer camp, the district announced.

Emma Ploumitsakos of Manchester Township Middle School was chosen among hundreds of applicants from across New Jersey for the highly selective Tech Trek New Jersey Summer Academy.

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Tech Trek is a competitive STEM-focused program "designed to encourage and inspire young women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics," run by the American Association of University Women.

Stockton Tech Trek campers spend a week immersed in STEM projects, including a field trip, doing things such as "visualize 'big data' inside the geodome, examine their catch from nearby coastal waterways, and mix tie dyes in the chemistry lab," a description of the program says. The program at Stockton has been operating since 2015, and is one of 17 programs across the country.

The goal of Tech Trek is to "introduce girls to successful female role models, teach girls that intellectual skills grow over time and break down stereotypes," the site says. "These programs are a key part of AAUW’s STEM efforts and serve girls throughout the country with the hard work and commitment of AAUW members and supporters."

Students must be nominated by their math or science teacher, and then go through a selection process that includes an essay application and, if selected, participate in an interview.

In May, "Emma completed her introduction presentation and represented Manchester exceptionally well," the district said, adding the teachers and staff are "proud of her confidence, preparation, and professionalism throughout the process."

Emma is the sixth Manchester student selected for the highly competitive program over the last 10 years, the district said.

"Congratulations to Emma on this exciting accomplishment and outstanding opportunity!" the district said.