CFDA#
None.
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Funder Type
Corporate Foundation
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IT Classification
B - Readily funds technology as part of an award
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Authority
American Association of University Women (AAUW)
Summary
Career Development Grants champion gender equity in education and workplaces by investing up to $8,000 in women pursuing a certificate, credential, or training program needed to enter, transition into, or advance within high-demand STEM fields in which they are underrepresented. This grant cannot be used for a degree program (ex. Master's Degree). Grants fund short-term, accredited programs. AAUW also welcomes applications from women currently employed in high-demand STEM fields who seek executive-level or leadership development training to advance into decision-making roles.
AAUW aims to help close the gender gap in STEM professions, including in technical and executive leadership roles, by supporting a broad range of career trajectories. AAUW's Career Development Grants focus especially on emerging tech and science-driven industries, and AAUW holds a particular interest in programs that lead to tangible employment outcomes or advancement within 6-12 months.
History of Funding
None is available.
Additional Information
Applicants must pursue an accredited certificate, credential or training program with a minimum of 400 instructional hours, in a high-growth STEM field, where women are underrepresented. This grant cannot be used for a degree program (ex. Master's Degree). This includes areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics that show strong labor market demand and ongoing gender disparities in participation or leadership. Examples of eligible fields include but are not limited to:
- Architecture
- Engineering
- Grants are available for a range of engineering disciplines, such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace, chemical, civil, electrical, environmental, geotechnical and mechanical engineering.
- Mathematics
- Grants are available for a range of math disciplines, including applied mathematics, statistics and actuarial science.
- Natural & Physical Science
- Grants are available for a range of science disciplines, including agricultural science, biology, biomedical science, chemistry, geology, earth and environmental science, materials science, and physics.
- Technology
- Grants are available for a range of technological disciplines, such as artificial intelligence, automation, cloud computing, computer engineering, computer science, data analytics, robotics and software development.
This list is illustrative, and not exhaustive. Applicants are welcome to propose other STEM fields or specializations if they can demonstrate that the field has significant, projected growth potential (5% or higher) over the next 8-10 years based on workforce or industry data and women are currently underrepresented in the field or specific occupational area (less than 50% representation). Executive leadership or management training programs are also eligible, provided that applicants are currently employed in a high-growth STEM field, as defined here.
Eligibility Details
Eligibility
- Applicants must identify as a woman.
- Applicants must be:
- Accepted or enrolled in a certificate, credential or training program in a high-growth STEM field, in which projected occupational growth is 5% or more over the next 8-10 years, and where women are underrepresented, and comprise less than 50% of the workforce; OR
- Currently employed in a high-growth STEM field, in which projected occupational growth is 5% or more over the next 8-10 years, and where women are underrepresented, and comprise less than 50% of the workforce, if pursuing executive leadership or management training.
- Certificate, credential, or training programs must include a minimum of 400 instructional hours.
- 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 a bachelor's degree.
- Applicants whose accredited certificate, credential 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.
Citizenship & Immigration Status
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Deadline Details
Applications for AAUW Career Development Grants round one are open August 1– September 30, 2025. A similar application window is assumed annually.
Applications for round two close on December 31, 2025.
Applications for round three close on March 31, 2026.
Applications are reviewed and awarded annually on a competitive, rolling basis. This means that once an application is submitted, it will be considered during the next available review round. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as early as possible. Awards are granted based on eligibility, alignment with program goals, and availability of funds.
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.
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