The mission of the American Association of University Women is to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research.
AAUW Puyallup Valley Branch supports this mission by partnering with AAUW and our local school districts to identify outstanding young women in the fields of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and to provide them with public recognition and reward for their achievements through the following programs:
Teck Trek
Teck Trek is a week-long science and math summer camp designed to develop interest, excitement, and self-confidence in middle school girls from our area who are interested in STEM: science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. The goal is to encourage young women to continue with STEM studies in high school and hopefully advance into STEM careers.
High School Scholars
High School Scholars Project gives recognition to female High School Juniors from Bonney Lake, Chief Leschi, Emerald Ridge, Fife, Orting, Puyallup, Rogers and Sumner for outstanding achievement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This year two senior girls received Gwen Fletcher Memorial Scholarships. A reception was held May 16, 2023, at the Puyallup Activity Center to honor the Junior CTE, Math, and Science Awardees as well as the Senior Scholarship Awardees.
2023 Junior Scholars Recognized for Excellence in CTE, Math, and Science
- 2023 CTE Honorees
- 2023 Math Honorees
- 2023 Science Honorees
AAUW Gwen Fletcher Memorial Senior Scholarship Awardees 2023

Olivia De Boer Rogers High School

Grace Smith Orting High School
Previous Awardees
- Faith Ngigi Fife High School
- Senior Scholarship Awardees
- Maren Thompson Puyallup High School
- Jordyn Manning 2021 Sumner High School
- Lydia Tarekegh 2020 Puyallup High School
- Dharma Shah 2019 Puyallup High School
Innovative Teaching Grant Awardees:
2022-2023: $2000 was awarded to Leanna Washington, Secondary Math Teacher and AVID Coordinator at Chief Leschi Schools, to purchase seating for a flexible seating classroom. Studies have shown that flexible seating promotes greater student involvement in learning. Ms. Washington will give a report on the project at the May HS Scholars event.
2021-2022: No Innovative Teaching Grant was awarded due to Covid 19
2020-2021 John Shula, Digital Media teacher at Fife High School
2019-2020: Patty O’Malley Winner