Career Development Grants

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, such as business, law, or STEM fields, who are currently employed and seek executive-level or leadership development training to advance into decision-making roles. AAUW aims to help close the gender gap in underrepresented professions, including in technical and executive leadership roles, by supporting a broad range of career trajectories. AAUW's Career Development Grants place particular emphasis on strengthening women's participation and leadership in STEM and other fields where gender disparities persist, and in programs that lead to tangible employment outcomes or advancement within 6-12 months. Applicants must pursue an accredited certificate or training program in a field where women hold less than 50% representation in the field or in senior positions at a national, regional, or local level. Examples of eligible fields include architecture, engineering, executive leadership or management training, mathematics, natural and physical sciences, technology, and other underrepresented fields such as business, finance, law, and emerging technical or applied trades. 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. Eligible expenses include tuition, fees, required course materials, transportation assistance, and dependent care. Applications are reviewed and awarded annually on a competitive, rolling basis through three review rounds.