Career Advancement Opportunities for Young Women

Educational Funding and Awards

AAUW has a long and distinguished history of advancing educational and professional opportunities for women in the United States and around the globe.

2015-16 AAUW International Fellow Oyenike Balogun-Mwangi

One of the world’s largest sources of funding for graduate women, AAUW is providing more than $3.7 million in funding for more than 230 fellowships and grants to outstanding women and nonprofit organizations in the 2016–17 academic year. Due to the longstanding, generous contributions of AAUW members, a broader community of women continues to gain access to educational and economic opportunities — breaking through barriers so that all women have a fair chance.

Fellowship and grant recipients perform research in a wide range of disciplines and work to improve their schools and communities. Their intellect, dedication, imagination, and effort promise to forge new paths in scholarship, improve the quality of life for all, and tackle the educational and social barriers facing women worldwide.

Congratulations to AAUW’s 2016–17 fellowships and grants awardees!

Our Fellowships and Grants

American Fellowships

Who may apply: Women pursuing full-time study to complete dissertations, conducting postdoctoral research full time, or preparing research for publication for eight consecutive weeks
Funding: $6,000–$30,000
Opens: August 1
Deadline: November 15

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Career Development Grants

Who may apply: Women pursuing a certificate or degree to advance their careers, change careers, or reenter the workforce and whose bachelor’s degree was received at least five years before the award period
Funding: $2,000–$12,000
Opens: August 1
Deadline: December 15

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Community Action Grants

Who may apply: Individuals, AAUW branches and states, and nonprofit organizations to fund innovative programs or nondegree research projects that promote education and equity for women and girls
Funding:One-year grant, $2,000-$7,000
Two-year grant, $5,000-$10,000
Opens: August 1
Deadline: January 15

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International Fellowships

Who may apply: Women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the United States who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Funding: $18,000–$30,000
Opens: August 1
Deadline: December 1

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International Project Grants

Who may apply: Alumnae of AAUW’s International Fellowships program who are living in their home countries and pursuing community-based projects to improve the social advancement and economic empowerment of women and girls
Funding: $5,000–$7,000
Opens: August 1
Deadline: January 15

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Selected Professions Fellowships

Who may apply: Women pursuing full-time study in a master’s or professional degree program in which women are underrepresented, including STEM, law, business, and medicine
Funding: $5,000–$18,000
Opens: August 1
Deadline: January 10

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If the application date falls on a weekend, the deadline is the next business day.

Find Our Recipients and Sponsors

Search this directory to learn about the exemplary work of AAUW fellows and grantees.

For Alumnae

Learn more about how you can connect with other AAUW fellowship and grant alumnae.

Join a Selection Panel

Find out about how to contribute to the advancement of women by serving on an AAUW Selection Panel.