Looking to pursue higher education? The AAUW Scholarship program provides a lifeline of financial aid for women in the United States, offering grants and scholarships to help unlock their academic potential. Since 1888, the AAUW Scholarship has been a leading women’s education program, empowering women to achieve their dreams.
With funding ranging from $8,000 to $50,000, the AAUW Scholarship is the largest fellowship program offered by AAUW. It aims to support women in their pursuit of higher education, making it the oldest non-institutional source of graduate funding for women in the country. If you’re a woman seeking financial aid for your academic journey, this program may provide the opportunities you’ve been looking for.
Types of AAUW Scholarships
The AAUW Scholarship program offers various types of scholarships to support different stages of a woman’s academic journey. These scholarships provide valuable financial support and educational opportunities for women seeking to advance their knowledge and skills.
American Fellowship Program
The American Fellowship program is designed for women pursuing full-time study to complete dissertations, conduct postdoctoral research, or prepare research for publication. This program offers funding ranging from $8,000 to $50,000, providing women with the resources they need to excel in their academic pursuits.
Career Development Grants
The Career Development Grants are specifically tailored for women holding a bachelor’s degree and looking to advance or change careers in education, health and medical sciences, STEM fields, or social sciences. With financial support ranging from $2,000 to $20,000, these grants empower women to pursue their career goals and make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.
Community Action Grants
The Community Action Grants aim to promote education and equity for women and girls. These grants provide funding of $3,000 to $10,000 for programs that address important issues impacting women’s education and empowerment. By supporting community-based initiatives, these grants contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in education.
International Fellowships
The International Fellowships support women from around the world who are pursuing full-time study or research in the United States. With funding ranging from $20,000 to $50,000, these fellowships open doors for women to engage in academic pursuits and contribute to the global exchange of knowledge and ideas.
| Program | Funding Range | Purpose | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Fellowship Program | $8,000 – $50,000 | Dissertations, postdoctoral research, research preparation | U.S. citizens or permanent residents |
| Career Development Grants | $2,000 – $20,000 | Career advancement or change in specific fields | Women with a bachelor’s degree |
| Community Action Grants | $3,000 – $10,000 | Programs promoting education and equity for women and girls | Individuals, AAUW branches, community-based nonprofits |
| International Fellowships | $20,000 – $50,000 | Full-time study or research in the United States | Women from outside the United States |
Eligibility Criteria for AAUW Scholarships
To be considered for an AAUW Scholarship, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. The program aims to empower women in STEM fields and promote women’s leadership and achievements in various academic disciplines. The eligibility requirements vary depending on the type of scholarship.
American Fellowship
The American Fellowship program is open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who demonstrate scholarly excellence, originality of project design, and an active commitment to helping women and girls. Applicants must be pursuing full-time study to complete dissertations, conduct postdoctoral research, or prepare research for publication.
Career Development Grants
The Career Development Grants prioritize women of color and those seeking their first advanced degree in nontraditional fields. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and be pursuing a career in education, health and medical sciences, STEM fields, or social sciences. Financial support ranges from $2,000 to $20,000.
Community Action Grants
The Community Action Grants are available to individuals, AAUW branches, and community-based nonprofits. The grants fund programs that promote education and equity for women and girls. The funding ranges from $3,000 to $10,000.
International Fellowships
The International Fellowships support women from around the world who are pursuing full-time study or research in the United States. Applicants must not be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and should have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree. The fellowships provide funding ranging from $20,000 to $50,000.
| Scholarship Type | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| American Fellowship | U.S. citizens or permanent residents, scholarly excellence, original project design, active commitment to helping women and girls |
| Career Development Grants | Women of color, first advanced degree in nontraditional fields, pursuing a career in education, health and medical sciences, STEM fields, or social sciences |
| Community Action Grants | Individuals, AAUW branches, and community-based nonprofits, programs promoting education and equity for women and girls |
| International Fellowships | Not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree, pursuing full-time study or research in the United States |
Application Process and Deadlines
Applying for an AAUW Scholarship is a straightforward process that can be completed online. The application period typically opens in August and closes in November each year. To ensure you don’t miss out on this opportunity, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the application requirements and deadlines.
When applying for an AAUW Scholarship, you will need to fill out the online application form and provide the necessary supporting documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. It’s crucial to carefully review the specific requirements for the scholarship you’re applying to, as they may vary depending on the program.
One important aspect to note is that the AAUW International Fellowships are not open to previous recipients of any AAUW national fellowship or grant. Additionally, individuals currently holding AAUW awards are not eligible to apply. These restrictions ensure fairness and provide opportunities for new candidates to benefit from the AAUW Scholarship program.
| Application Process | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|
| 1. Fill out the online application form | Application period typically opens in August and closes in November each year |
| 2. Submit the required supporting documents | Specific deadlines may vary depending on the scholarship program |
| 3. Review the specific requirements for the scholarship | |
| 4. Ensure eligibility and compliance with any restrictions |
After the application period ends, the selection process begins. A panel of experts and evaluators carefully review each application based on academic and professional qualifications, commitment to women’s advancement, proposed study or research plan, and financial need. The competition for AAUW Scholarships is fierce, given the prestige and significance of these awards.
Notification of decision is typically sent out in April, and if you’re selected as a recipient, the fellowship year typically starts from July to June. Being awarded an AAUW Scholarship provides not only financial support but also recognition of your dedication and potential in your chosen field of study. It’s an opportunity to unlock your academic potential and pursue your dreams with the backing of one of the oldest non-institutional sources of graduate funding for women in the United States.
Can I Apply for Both the AAUW Scholarship and the Academic Challenge Scholarship?
Yes, it is possible to apply for both the AAUW Scholarship and the Academic Challenge Scholarship. These scholarships provide academic challenge scholarship potential for deserving students. If you qualify for both, it is a great opportunity to maximize your chances of receiving financial aid for pursuing higher education.
AAUW Scholarships at the Local Level
In addition to the national AAUW Scholarships, several AAUW branches across the United States offer local scholarships to support women in their communities. These branch scholarships provide additional opportunities for women to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals.
Each AAUW branch may have its own eligibility criteria, funding amounts, and application processes for their scholarships. Some branches focus on supporting high school students in their area, while others prioritize specific fields such as art or STEM. By offering local scholarships, AAUW branches can tailor their support to the unique needs and interests of their communities.
For example, the Barnegat Area Branch awards scholarships to high school students in their area, recognizing and supporting their academic achievements. The Nutley Branch, on the other hand, focuses specifically on art scholarships for residents of Nutley, fostering creativity and artistic talent within their community.
Other branches, like the Medford Area Branch and Sussex County Branch, provide scholarships specifically for non-traditional female college students and women majoring in STEM fields. These scholarships aim to empower women who may face unique challenges or underrepresentation in their chosen fields of study.
By offering local scholarships, AAUW branches contribute to the overall mission of empowering women through education. These opportunities not only provide financial support but also serve as a testament to the commitment of AAUW and its branches to creating equal educational opportunities and promoting women’s advancement in all areas of study.
Impact and Success Stories of AAUW Scholarships
The AAUW Scholarship program has had a profound impact on the lives of numerous women, enabling them to unlock their academic potential and create positive change in their communities. Through financial support and educational opportunities, AAUW Scholarships have empowered women to pursue their higher education goals and achieve remarkable success.
Recipients of AAUW Scholarships have gone on to become leaders in various fields, including business, government, academia, community activism, and the arts. Their testimonials highlight the transformative impact of these scholarships and the doors they have opened. From founding their own businesses to conducting groundbreaking research, these women have made significant contributions to their respective fields and society as a whole.
By investing in women’s education, AAUW Scholarships have played a crucial role in advancing women’s equity and representation in various sectors. These scholarships not only support individual women but also contribute to creating a more inclusive and equal society. The success stories of AAUW Scholarship recipients serve as inspiration for future generations of women, demonstrating the importance of financial aid and opportunities in breaking down barriers and achieving one’s academic and professional aspirations.
The impact of AAUW Scholarships extends far beyond the individual recipients, as their achievements have ripple effects throughout their communities and beyond. By nurturing women’s talents and providing them with the resources they need, these scholarships contribute to closing the gender gap in education and creating a more diverse and prosperous society for all.