Solano County Hosts Free Girls in Robotics Leadership Camp

Annual GIRL Camp aims to boost STEM access and representation for local students.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:33pm

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A bold, abstract painting featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals in vibrant blues, greens, and oranges, conceptually representing the interconnected nature of STEM disciplines and the creative energy of the GIRL Camp program.The GIRL Camp's hands-on approach to robotics and coding aims to inspire the next generation of female STEM leaders.Vallejo Today

The Solano County Office of Education is hosting its annual Girls in Robotics Leadership (GIRL) Camp this summer, offering free week-long sessions for middle and high school students across the county to learn robotics, coding, and leadership skills. The camp, run by female STEM mentors, is designed to encourage more girls and underrepresented students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Why it matters

The GIRL Camp program is an important initiative to address persistent gender gaps in STEM fields, which remain largely male-dominated. By providing hands-on learning opportunities and female role models, the camp aims to build confidence and inspire the next generation of women in STEM.

The details

The 2026 GIRL Camp will be held at Solano Community College, with sessions in Vacaville, Fairfield, and Vallejo. Campers will spend the week building and programming robots, developing coding skills, creating films, and exploring college and career pathways in STEM. The camp is facilitated by mentors, including previous campers and college STEM students, rather than traditional teachers.

  • The Vacaville session will be held June 8–12, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • The Fairfield session will be held June 15–18, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (June 19 is a holiday)
  • The Vallejo session will be held June 22–26, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The players

Solano County Office of Education (SCOE)

The county education agency hosting the GIRL Camp program in partnership with UC Davis.

UC Davis C-STEM Center

The university center collaborating with SCOE to develop and deliver the GIRL Camp curriculum.

Steph Morgado

SCOE's STEAM Program Manager, who oversees the GIRL Camp initiative.

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What they’re saying

“As many people know, summer camps can be expensive and continue to limit the pipeline and access for students in STEM. Being able to offer this opportunity in this space for students and break down the cost, hopefully increases access.”

— Steph Morgado, SCOE STEAM Program Manager

“The camp's main goal is to really inspire the next generation, especially women, to go into the STEM field. While this camp is robotics, it's really about building a sense of confidence and community for students.”

— Steph Morgado, SCOE STEAM Program Manager

“To see it live in front of families and the community really showcases that level of creativity and problem solving. We also want students to be real and honest about the challenges, because that's the reality of the world, and in STEM, it's okay that it's challenging.”

— Steph Morgado, SCOE STEAM Program Manager

What’s next

Parents can visit the official Solano County Office of Education website to register their students for the GIRL Camp sessions.

The takeaway

The GIRL Camp program is a valuable initiative to increase access, representation, and confidence for young women and underrepresented students in STEM fields, providing hands-on learning and mentorship to inspire the next generation of innovators.