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Career Development Grants

American Association of University Women

Career Development Grants champion gender equity in education and workplaces by investing up to $8,000 in women pursuing a certificate or training program needed to enter, transition into, or advance within fields where they are underrepresented, including but not limited to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and career pathways. Grants fund short-term, accredited programs. AAUW also welcomes applications from women in any field in which women are underrepresented at the leadership level, (e.g., business, law, or STEM fields), who are currently employed and seek executive-level or leadership development training to advance into decision-making roles. The Career Development Grant is open to both new applicants and AAUW alumnae.

Award Details:

The award ceiling for Career Development Grants is $8,000. Grant funds are payable to grantees only and are disbursed in full, at the beginning of the grant term or at the start of the program, as appropriate.

Disqualifying Factors

The following are not eligible for consideration:

Current members of the AAUW Board of Directors
Employees of AAUW, including paid or unpaid, part-time or temporary employees, consultants, interns and contract employees
Current AAUW Review Panelists
Immediate families (i.e., spouses and dependent children) of individuals described in the points above
Applicants for another national AAUW fellowship or grant, in the same year
Previous AAUW Career Development Grant recipients
Previous national AAUW fellowship or grant recipients (excluding Community Action Grants or branch or local AAUW awards)
Applicants who are recommended for an award, however, whose certificate, credential or training program is different than envisioned at the time of application, will be disqualified
Career Development Grants cannot be used for a post-baccalaureate program, degree program (ex. master’s degree) or for completing a certificate within a degree program (ex. Certificate completed as part of master’s degree coursework), or to cover exam expenses.

Selection Criteria

The certificate or training program sought is in a field where women are underrepresented and comprise less than 50% of the workforce.
Applicants must demonstrate a clear and purposeful trajectory toward or within a career in a field where women are underrepresented. This may be reflected through professional experience, pursuit of skill-building opportunities, career-related goals, mentorship or leadership activities, or overcoming significant barriers in their educational or career journey. Traditional academic achievements are welcome but are not required.
Applicant demonstrates a commitment to helping women and girls through service in their communities or professions.
Feasibility of applicants’ ability to complete their certificate or training program based on sufficient time, financial resources, and other support.
Applicants who have demonstrated resilience in overcoming life challenges beyond their control, such as socioeconomic status, discrimination, limited academic resources or opportunities, or other adverse circumstances (Preferred).
Applicants who hail from single parent households (Preferred).
Applicants who are parenting students (Preferred).
Applicants who were the first in their family to attain a bachelor’s degree (Preferred).

AI Based Application Success Predictor

1. Outstanding academic and scholarly excellence (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

This is the most important criterion across nearly all AAUW funding programs.

Competitive applicants should demonstrate:

Excellent academic record
Strong research achievements
High-quality publications (where applicable)
Academic distinction
Evidence of scholarly excellence

Applications should clearly show the applicant's ability to complete the proposed educational or research program successfully. (aauw.org)

2. Potential to advance women and girls (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

A defining feature of AAUW funding is its mission-driven focus.

Competitive proposals should clearly explain how the applicant's work will:

Advance gender equity
Improve opportunities for women and girls
Promote educational access
Increase women's leadership
Address barriers to equality

Projects aligned with AAUW's mission are significantly more competitive. (aauw.org)

3. Leadership potential and community impact (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Reviewers look for evidence that applicants have:

Leadership experience
Community engagement
Professional achievements
Service activities
Potential to become leaders in their fields

Applicants should demonstrate that they will make meaningful contributions beyond academia. (aauw.org)

4. Strong and feasible project or study plan (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Competitive applications include:

Clearly defined objectives
Well-developed research or educational plan
Realistic timeline
Achievable milestones
Appropriate methodology (for research proposals)

The proposed plan should demonstrate both quality and feasibility within the funding period. (aauw.org)

5. Clear long-term career goals (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Applicants should explain:

Career objectives
Professional development plans
Long-term vision
How AAUW funding will contribute to career advancement

Reviewers favor applicants with a well-articulated pathway toward leadership and impact. (aauw.org)

6. Demonstrated need for funding (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

For several AAUW programs, reviewers consider:

Financial need
Educational expenses
Career transition needs
Lack of alternative funding

Applicants should clearly explain why AAUW support is important for achieving their goals. (aauw.org)

7. Strong letters of recommendation (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Recommendations should demonstrate:

Academic ability
Leadership qualities
Research potential
Professional integrity
Capacity for future achievement

Well-written, detailed recommendations from knowledgeable referees strengthen an application. (aauw.org)

8. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

AAUW values applicants who:

Promote diversity
Support inclusive education
Address inequities
Contribute to underserved communities

Activities reflecting these values strengthen competitiveness. (aauw.org)

9. Relevant experience and professional accomplishments (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

Reviewers consider:

Previous employment
Research experience
Publications
Awards
Volunteer activities
Professional achievements

A strong track record supports confidence in future success. (aauw.org)

10. Complete, well-prepared application (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

Successful applications include:

Complete documentation
Well-written essays
Accurate transcripts
Required recommendation letters
Compliance with eligibility criteria
Timely submission

Attention to detail and adherence to program requirements are essential. (aauw.org)

Specialties

Others

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must identify as a woman.
Applicants must:
- Have applied or been accepted to a certificate or training program in a field where women are underrepresented and comprise less than 50% of the workforce; OR
- Currently employed in a field where women comprise less than 50% of senior leadership positions if pursuing executive leadership or management training.
Program start date must fall between January 1, 2027 – June 30, 2027.
Programs must be offered by accredited or licensed institutions and lead to professional advancement or employment in the applicant’s chosen field.
Applicants must hold at least an associate’s degree or higher.
Applicants whose accredited certificate or training programs directly prepare them for industry-recognized certification may receive priority consideration, depending on the strength of their application and alignment with program goals.
AAUW Alumnae applying for this award must have adhered to all program requirements during their award year and submitted their final report to AAUW.
Citizenship & Immigration Status
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents from the 50 States, District of Columbia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or any other territory of the United States.

Eligible Countries:

United States

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: American Association of University Women

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: 1310 L St. NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005 202.785.7700

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