Career Development Grants
Career Development Grants support women with certificate, career, and leadership training to help them enter or advance in fields where women are underrepresented and move into decision-making roles.
Funder: American Association of University Women
Due Dates: September 30, 2026 (Winter/Spring 2027 deadline) | January 27, 2027 (Summer/Fall applications open) | March 18, 2027 (Summer/Fall 2027 deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $8,000 for one short-term certificate or training program
Summary: Supports women pursuing career or leadership training in fields where women are underrepresented.
Key Information: Funds cannot support degree programs, certificates within degree programs, or post-baccalaureate programs.
Description
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) funds short-term, accredited certificate and training programs that help women enter, transition into, or advance within fields where they are underrepresented. Eligible pathways include STEM, architecture, business, finance, law, and emerging technical or applied trades. Women must represent less than 50% of the relevant workforce or senior leadership population.
The program also supports currently employed women seeking executive-level or management training to advance into decision-making roles in fields with unequal leadership representation. AAUW evaluates purposeful career plans, the feasibility of completing training, and applicants’ commitment to advancing opportunities or equity for women and girls. Programs directly preparing applicants for industry-recognized certification may receive priority consideration.
