The American Association of University Women (AAUW) has opened its latest call for the Career Development Grants program, an initiative designed to champion gender equity in the workforce.
This program invests in women who are seeking to enter, transition into, or advance within professional fields where they have historically been underrepresented.
The grants specifically target sectors such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as law and business leadership.
Rather than funding full degree programs like a master’s, these awards focus on short-term, accredited certificate programs or specialized training that leads to tangible employment outcomes within a year.
By supporting these diverse career pathways, the AAUW aims to close the gender gap in technical and executive professions. The initiative empowers women to move into decision-making roles and thrive in the sectors that shape the global future.
Funding and benefits
Successful applicants can receive an award of up to $8,000 to support their professional advancement. These funds are disbursed in full directly to the grantee at the start of their program or grant term.
The financial support is flexible, covering a wide range of essential costs beyond just tuition. Eligible expenses include fees, required course materials, transportation assistance, dependent care, and even general living expenses.
Beyond the financial award, these grants serve as a professional springboard, helping women move into fields where they currently hold less than 50% of the workforce or leadership positions. The program prioritizes projects that lead to industry-recognized certifications.
Application requirements and eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must identify as a woman and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Candidates are required to hold at least an associate’s degree or higher and must be currently applied to, accepted at, or enrolled in an accredited certificate or training program.
A critical component of the application is demonstrating that women hold less than 50% representation in the chosen field or in senior leadership at a national or local level. Applicants must provide specific data sources and hyperlinks to verify these statistics.
The selection process also considers a candidate’s commitment to helping women and girls through community service. Priority may be given to those who have demonstrated resilience in the face of socioeconomic challenges or discrimination, as well as parenting students and first-generation college graduates.
Deadline
Applications for the Career Development Grants are reviewed on a competitive, rolling basis. This means that materials should be submitted as early as possible to ensure consideration for the next available review round.
The upcoming application window for Round 2 closes on March 1, 2026, followed by a Round 3 deadline on May 31, 2026. Interested candidates must submit their narrative applications, proof of degree, and accreditation documentation through the AAUW online portal.
Click here to visit AAUW’s call page to apply. Explore our global opportunities page for more.
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