[American Association of University Women](https://www.aauw.org)

October 7, 2025 | March 1, 2026 | May 31, 2026

Up to $8,000 per award; funds disbursed in full at the start of the grant term or program.

Supports women seeking to enter, advance, or transition within underrepresented fields—especially STEM and leadership—through short-term accredited programs.

--- ## Description This grant supports women aiming to enter, transition into, or advance within fields where they are underrepresented, with a particular focus on STEM and leadership roles. Funding is provided for short-term, accredited certificate or training programs—such as specialized coursework or executive leadership development—that lead to tangible employment outcomes or career advancement within 6–12 months. The program is designed to help close gender gaps in technical and executive professions by empowering women to pursue new career pathways or leadership opportunities. --- ## Due Dates - October 7, 2025: Round 1 application closing date (DEADLINE EXTENDED) - March 1, 2026: Round 2 application closing date (due at 11:59pm EST) - May 31, 2026: Round 3 application closing date (due at 11:59pm EST) Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis within each round. Early submission is encouraged. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $8,000 per grantee. - Funds are disbursed in full at the beginning of the grant term or program. - Grants can be used for tuition, fees, required course materials, transportation, dependent care, and living expenses. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must identify as women. - Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. - Must hold at least an associate’s degree or higher. - Must be applied, accepted, or enrolled in an accredited certificate or training program in a field where women comprise less than 50% of the workforce, or in executive/leadership training in a field where women are underrepresented in leadership. - Programs may be part-time or full-time. - Women pursuing degree programs (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s, or professional degrees) are not eligible. - Not eligible: AAUW Board/employee/contractor/review panelist/immediate family; applicants for another national AAUW fellowship or grant in the same year; previous national AAUW fellowship or grant recipients (except Community Action Grants or local awards). --- ## Application Process 1. Review eligibility and program requirements on the [AAUW Career Development Grants page](https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/current-opportunities/career-development-grants/). 2. Create an account or log in to the [AAUW Fellowships & Grants Application Portal](https://aauw.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new). 3. Prepare and submit: - Application narrative - Data showing women’s representation in your field (with sources) - Proof of program accreditation - Degree certificates/diplomas (associate’s degree or higher) - Academic transcripts - (If applicable) Credential documentation for industry-specific certifications 4. Applications are reviewed competitively and on a rolling basis within each round. 5. Award notifications and fund disbursement follow the review cycle. For detailed instructions, see: - [Application Instructions (PDF)](https://www.aauw.org/app/uploads/2025/07/Instructions-to-Create-Account-in-AAUW-Applicant-Portal.pdf) - [Sample Application (PDF)](https://www.aauw.org/app/uploads/2025/12/Career-Development-Grants-Sample-Application.pdf) --- ## Additional Information - Eligible fields include STEM, business, law, executive leadership, and other areas where women are underrepresented. - Applicants may list up to five programs/institutions in their application but must enroll in one of those listed if awarded. - Funds cannot be used for research equipment, assistants, prior debts, publication costs, or institutional overhead. - Grants may be taxable depending on their use; consult a tax advisor. --- ## External Links - [AAUW Career Development Grants Program Page](https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/current-opportunities/career-development-grants/) - [AAUW Application Portal](https://aauw.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new) - [Application Instructions (PDF)](https://www.aauw.org/app/uploads/2025/07/Instructions-to-Create-Account-in-AAUW-Applicant-Portal.pdf) - [Sample Application (PDF)](https://www.aauw.org/app/uploads/2025/12/Career-Development-Grants-Sample-Application.pdf) - [Contact AAUW Awards Team](mailto:awards@aauw.org) --- ## Contact Information | Department | Contact Method | |--------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | AAUW Awards Team | [awards@aauw.org](mailto:awards@aauw.org) | | AAUW Main Office | 202.785.7700 | | General Inquiries | [AAUW Contact Page](https://www.aauw.org/contact-us/) |

Career Development Grants - American Association of University Women

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