AAUW Scholarships and Fellowships: Empowering Women Through Education
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is dedicated to empowering women through education by offering various scholarship and fellowship opportunities. These programs support women in their academic pursuits, research endeavors, and community initiatives. AAUW's commitment spans from supporting high school graduates to providing funding for doctoral candidates and community projects.
AAUW International Fellowships
The AAUW International Fellowships are designed to support women who are not United States citizens or permanent residents and are pursuing full-time study or research in the United States. These fellowships aim to advance the academic and professional growth of women globally. It’s important to note that AAUW does not provide visa sponsorship or support services.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the International Fellowship, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Citizenship: Applicants must not be United States citizens or permanent residents.
- Degree Level: The fellowship supports both master’s/first professional degrees and doctoral degrees. Master’s/first professional degree fellowships are tailored for programs like J.D., M.F.A., L.L.M., M.Arch., or medical degrees (M.D., D.D.S., etc.). Doctoral fellowships are for research-oriented degrees like Ph.D.
- GPA Requirement: Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. For doctorate degree applicants, the GPA is based on the highest degree earned at the time of application. If the applicant's institution uses a different grading system, official documentation converting the cumulative GPA to a 4.0 scale must be provided.
- Enrollment Status: Applicants must be planning to enroll full-time in their chosen program. Part-time programs are not eligible for the fellowship.
- Program Selection: Applicants must apply for one program type (either a Master’s or Doctoral program) in a single, specific field (e.g., Business, History, Physics). Applying for both a doctorate and a master’s program simultaneously is not allowed.
- Applicants may list up to five programs and institutions in their application. However, if awarded a fellowship, enrollment in one of the listed programs and institutions is mandatory.
Restrictions
Certain conditions and expenses are not covered by the International Fellowship:
- The International Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships are one-time awards and are not renewable.
- Expenses classified as prohibited under the International Fellowship cannot be covered using fellowship funds.
- The fellowship is specifically designed to support individuals pursuing their first master’s or doctoral degree. Applying for another master’s or professional degree after completing one, using the AAUW fellowship, is not permitted.
AAUW Selected Professions Fellowships
The AAUW also offers Selected Professions Fellowships for qualified women in specific fields. These fellowships aim to address the underrepresentation of women in particular disciplines and support their advancement.
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Approved Fields
Applicants in the fields of natural and physical sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) may apply, provided their program falls within the broader discipline areas listed by AAUW. When completing the application, applicants should select the field that most closely aligns with their area of study.
Restrictions
Similar to the International Fellowship, certain expenses are classified as prohibited under the Selected Professions Fellowship and cannot be covered using fellowship funds.
Local and Regional AAUW Scholarships
In addition to national and international fellowships, many local AAUW branches offer scholarships to women in their communities. These scholarships often target specific demographics, such as non-traditional students or those pursuing particular fields of study.
Examples of Local AAUW Scholarships
Across the United States, numerous AAUW branches provide crucial financial support to women pursuing higher education:
- AAUW Atlantic County: This branch has a long history of donating scholarship funding to local women through partnerships, with proceeds from their annual scholarship luncheon benefiting women in need at Stockton University or Atlantic Cape Community College. They also award scholarships to local high schools and continuing education scholarships, such as the Patricia E. Nolan Memorial Scholarship, Catherine R. Gross Memorial Scholarship, and Judy Lynne Memorial Scholarship.
- AAUW Cape May County: This branch awards scholarships to women whose post-high school education was interrupted. The scholarship is based on academic standing and demonstrated financial need.
- AAUW Greater Wayne Area Branch: This branch awards annual scholarships for women returning to college to complete their first undergraduate degree, easing the burden of college expenses for recipients.
- AAUW Freehold: This branch awards the Lew Williams and Joan Odud Scholarship to women 25 or older finishing undergraduate or graduate degrees. They also present the Rose Fishkin Award to the highest-ranking female graduate from each school in the Freehold High School District.
- AAUW Medford Branch: This branch awards a scholarship to a non-traditional female college student.
- College Women’s Club of Montclair: This club presents scholarship awards to high school girls from Montclair H.S., Cedar Grove H.S., and Verona H.S. They also fund the Past President Award for women returning to college and the CWC Grant for Mature Women.
- AAUW Mountain Lakes Area Branch: This branch provides local scholarships for women students in higher education, funding scholarships at Brookdale Community College, Monmouth University, and Douglass College. They also honor the top female senior math student in each of the local high schools.
- AAUW Nutley Branch: This branch awards a scholarship to a Nutley resident who majored in Art at Bard College.
- AAUW Salem Branch: This branch awards two Nancy Timberman Memorial Awards as scholarships to high school seniors and sponsors a student to attend the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders.
- AAUW Sussex County: This branch awards two scholarships annually to women who are Sussex County Community College students, with one award specifically for a student majoring in STEM.
- AAUW Trenton Branch: This branch awards scholarships to girls from high schools in Mercer County and provides a fellowship to a young woman working on her master's degree. The scholarship is for a female student matriculated in a degree-seeking program who is 25 years or older, has a gap in their educational experience, and demonstrates financial need.
- AAUW Elmhurst Area Branch NFP: Elmhurst, IL.
- AAUW St. George Branch: St.
General Eligibility for Local Scholarships
While specific requirements vary by branch, common eligibility criteria for local AAUW scholarships include:
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- Residency: Applicants must be residents of the specific area served by the branch (e.g., New Castle County, DE, or Sussex County).
- Education Level: Scholarships may be available for high school seniors, undergraduate students, graduate students, or women returning to college.
- Enrollment: Applicants must be enrolled in a baccalaureate or graduate degree program at an accredited institution.
- Age: Some scholarships are specifically for non-traditional students or women 25 years or older.
- Financial Need: Demonstrated financial need is often a requirement for scholarship eligibility.
- Academic Standing: Good academic standing is typically required.
How to Apply
The application process for AAUW scholarships and fellowships varies depending on the specific program. Generally, applications and submission of supporting documents are done online. The AAUW website provides detailed information on available opportunities, eligibility criteria, and application procedures.
Tips for Applying
- Carefully review the eligibility requirements for each scholarship or fellowship before applying.
- Gather all required documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal essays.
- Craft a compelling personal essay that highlights your academic achievements, goals, and commitment to empowering women.
- Pay close attention to deadlines and submit your application on time.
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