AAUW Career Development Grants 2025–2026 Up to $8,000 for Women Advancing in Underrepresented Fields

The AAUW Career Development Grants support gender equity by investing in women who are entering, transitioning into, or advancing within careers where women remain significantly underrepresented—especially science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as leadership positions across business, law, and other male-dominated sectors.

These competitive grants provide up to $8,000 for short-term, accredited certificate programs, specialized training, or coursework that leads to direct, tangible career advancement within 6–12 months. Degree programs (e.g., master’s degrees) are not eligible under this grant, though applicants may explore AAUW’s Selected Professions Fellowships or American Fellowships for postgraduate studies.

By supporting skills development, industry-recognized credentialing, and leadership training, AAUW strengthens the pipeline of women leaders in technical and executive fields.

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Award Details

• Funding amount: Up to $8,000
• Disbursement: Paid in full at the start of the grant term
• Eligible expenses: Tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, dependent care, and living expenses
• Programs supported: Accredited certificates, leadership programs, industry-recognized training

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Eligible Fields

Applicants must pursue training in a field where women represent less than 50% of the workforce or less than 50% of leadership roles.

Examples include:

STEM Fields

• Architecture
• Mathematics (applied math, statistics, actuarial science)
• Engineering (aerospace, civil, mechanical, environmental, chemical, etc.)
• Natural & Physical Sciences (biology, chemistry, geology, materials science, physics, etc.)
• Technology (AI, data analytics, robotics, cybersecurity, software development)

Leadership & Executive Training

For women working in male-dominated industries—such as business, law, finance, STEM—who seek advancement into senior leadership.

Other Underrepresented Fields

Certificates or training in any field where women hold under 50% representation.

Applicants must submit evidence of gender representation statistics in their field.

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Eligibility

To qualify, applicants must:

• Identify as a woman
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Hold an Associate’s degree or higher
• Be:
  • Enrolled/accepted into an accredited certificate or training program in an underrepresented field, OR
  • Employed in a field where women hold <50% of leadership positions and pursuing leadership development
• Programs must be accredited and lead to employment or professional advancement

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Competitive Selection Criteria

AAUW reviews applications on a rolling, competitive basis. Strong applicants will demonstrate:

• A clear career trajectory in an underrepresented field
• Commitment to empowering women and girls
• Feasibility and readiness to complete the program
• Prioritization factors (preferred):
  • STEM-related training
  • First-generation students
  • Single parents or parenting students
  • Applicants overcoming significant barriers
  • Students from low socioeconomic backgrounds

Applicants pursuing training tied to industry-recognized credentials may receive priority.

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Application Rounds & Timeline

Round	Opens	Closes	Review	Notification	Funds Released
Round 1	Aug 1, 2025	Oct 7, 2025	Oct 2025	Nov 2025	Dec 2025
Round 2	Jan 5, 2026	Mar 1, 2026	Mar 2026	Apr 2026	May 2026
Round 3	Apr 1, 2026	May 31, 2026	Jun 2026	Jul 2026	Aug 2026

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is strongly encouraged.

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How to Apply

1. Visit the AAUW Fellowships & Grants Application Portal
2. Create an account or log in
3. Review the Application Instructions and Sample Application
4. Prepare required documents:
   • Employment/representation statistics (with citations or links)
   • Proof of accreditation for the chosen program
   • Degree certificates (with translation if needed)
   • Academic transcripts
   • Documentation for industry credentials (if applicable)

Applicants must ensure all materials are complete prior to submission; incomplete applications may not be reviewed.

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Use of Funds & Tax Considerations

Funds must be used strictly for program-related expenses. Some portions of the grant may be considered taxable income depending on personal circumstances. AAUW does not issue tax forms, so applicants are encouraged to consult a tax advisor.

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Learn More & Apply

Visit the AAUW Career Development Grants portal to begin your application

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