Grants focus especially on emerging tech and science-driven industries, and AAUW holds a particular interest in programs that lead to tangible employment outcomes or advancement within 6-12 months.

This includes fields like Architecture, a range of Engineering disciplines (e.g., advanced manufacturing, aerospace, chemical, civil), Mathematics disciplines (e.g., applied mathematics, statistics), Natural & Physical Sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics), and various areas of Technology (e.g., artificial intelligence, data analytics, robotics). This list is not exhaustive, and applicants can propose other STEM fields or specializations if they can demonstrate a projected growth of 5% or higher over the next 8-10 years and less than 50% representation of women in the field. Additionally, executive leadership or management training programs are also eligible, provided the applicant is currently employed in a high-growth STEM field.

This grant offers up to $8,000 to eligible women. The grant funds are disbursed in full to the grantee at the start of the grant term or program. Career Development Grants are awarded with the expectation that grantees will use the funds to pursue a certificate, credential or training program in a high-growth STEM field, where women are underrepresented. Eligible expenses for the funds include tuition, fees, required course materials like books and supplies, transportation assistance, and dependent care.

To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, identify as a woman, and hold a bachelor’s degree. Applicants must be accepted or enrolled in a qualifying program. The program must be in an accredited or licensed institution, have a minimum of 400 instructional hours, and lead to professional advancement or employment in a high-growth STEM field with underrepresentation of women. If the program is for executive leadership or management training, the applicant must already be employed in a qualifying STEM field.

Certain individuals are not eligible, including AAUW Board members and employees, review panelists, and their immediate families. Those applying for another national AAUW grant in the same year or previous national grant recipients are also disqualified, with some exceptions. An applicant who is recommended for an award but whose program changes from the one envisioned in the application will be disqualified.

Applicants are required to submit several documents in addition to a narrative application. They must provide the projected growth percentage for their chosen field and its source, as well as the current percentage of women in that field and its source, which can be national or regional data. Documentation or a link confirming the program's accreditation status and the name of the accrediting body is also required, along with confirmation of the minimum 400 instructional hours. Incomplete applications may be reviewed at the discretion of AAUW.

For more information, visit AAUW.