And what did three local quilt guilds do? We made them quilts! Following their registration, each young woman selected a hand-made quilt using STEM-themed fabrics or patterns made by members of Pajaro Valley Quilt Association (PVQA), South Bay Area Modern Quilt Guild (SBAMQG), and Monterey Peninsula Quilt Guild (MPQG), plus a few friends. We needed 80 quilts and we received 122!! Thanks so much everyone—your enthusiastic participation will enable the campers--for years to come-- to be reminded of their STEM camp experience as well as know they have the support of the quilting community. 

And the extra quilts? Quilts generously donated to the STEM Quilt Project which didn’t end up with a camper will support the local community--as a raffle quilt for AAUW (the tuition for Tech Trek attendees is paid in full by AAUW) or as a part of our regular Community Outreach endeavors--Salvation Army, Jacob’s Heart, Camp Erin, Housing Matters, etc.).  A third possibility is a head start on a 2026 STEM Quilt Project. If interested in spearheading this endeavor, contact Doreen O’Donovan (Tech Trek Camp Director and PVQA member), Iris Frank, or Heidi Sandkuhle. 

Our sincere thanks to those who made quilt tops and/or quilts, to the tireless long-arm quilters, to the binders, and to those who donated money for batting and fabric. We wish each and every one of you could have been there to see firsthand the look of awe on the faces of those young women (and their parents) when they entered the room and saw the array of beautiful, colorful quilts and watch as they carefully considered and then selected the quilt of their choice. It was truly a memorable and heartfelt experience, thanks to each and every one of you who contributed to this remarkable endeavor!