[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 58 (Wednesday, April 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E563-E564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF MARIE WOLBACH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 9, 2014

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary woman 
and devoted leader in our community who has inspired numerous girls to 
strive for success and excel in science, technology, engineering, and 
mathematics STEM. Marie Wolbach cares deeply about ensuring that girls 
have the educational tools they need, and through the sheer force of 
her knowledge, determination, advocacy, participation, and persuasive 
talents, she created a unique educational opportunity for them.
   Marie Wolbach is a retired medical sociologist and recognizes the 
critical need for girls to learn about science, technology, 
engineering, and mathematics. She founded Tech Trek in 1998 with the 
help of an American Association of University Women (AAUW) Community 
Action Grant. Tech Trek is a weeklong science, technology, engineering, 
and mathematics summer camp for underserved rising eighth-grade girls, 
offering them an opportunity to enter a world that empowers and 
encourages them to think about themselves as future scientists, 
engineers, mathematicians, and computer specialists. Since Tech Trek 
began on the campus of Stanford University, it has grown to ten camps 
on eight college campuses in California, and in 2013, it expanded 
nationally to seven other states where it has already positively 
impacted the lives of the girls who attended. Because of Marie 
Wolbach's vision, Tech Trek graduates are breaking barriers in the 
fields of science, technology, engineering and math, with surveys 
demonstrating that 96 percent of their former participants are now in 
college, and 54 percent are STEM majors.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask the entire House of Representatives to join me in 
paying tribute to this extraordinary woman as she is honored with the 
``Unsung Heroes'' Jefferson Award. KPIX 5 nominated her for this 
prestigious award which she has earned and richly deserves. Marie 
Wolbach's unparalleled vision for a better future for girls strengthens 
our nation immeasurably and makes her a national treasure. It is a high 
privilege to represent Marie Wolbach, and call her my friend.

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