Call for Proposals: Career Development Grants (US)

Primary consideration is given to women pursuing their first advanced degree or credentials in education, health and medicine, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and social sciences. Grants are available to support full-time or part-time coursework such as a second bachelor’s or first master’s degree, a certification program, or specialized training in these fields.

Funding Information

• The award ceiling for Career Development Grants for a degree program is $20,000 and for non-degree programs is $8,000. Grant funds are payable to grantees only and are disbursed as follows:
  • Degree Programs: Two equal payments at the beginning and the midpoint of the grant term
  • Non-degree Programs: In full, either at the beginning of the grant term or at the program start

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be or identify as a woman.
• Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree earned on or before June 30, 2017.
• Applicants must be pursuing a degree (such as a second bachelor’s or first master’s degree) or a non-degree program (such as a certification program or specialized training) in education, health and medicine, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and social sciences.
• Applicants must pursue their study in the U.S. at an institution accredited by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Applicants pursuing degree programs must be enrolled in their programs during the entire grant year.
• Applicants pursuing a second bachelor’s degree must enroll in a program that differs from the field of study in which they previously earned a bachelor’s or associate degree.
• Applicants pursuing non-degree programs such as a certification program or specialized training must be enrolled in their programs for at least six months during the grant year.
• Applicants who have demonstrated resilience in overcoming life challenges beyond their control, such as socioeconomic status, discrimination, limited academic resources or opportunities or other adverse circumstances (preferred).
• Applicants who were the first in their family to attain a bachelor’s degree (preferred).
• Applicants who hail from or lead single parent households (preferred).
• Applicants who reside or will matriculate at a school in Arkansas, West Virginia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Alabama, Tennessee or Indiana (preferred).
• Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Ineligibility Criteria

• The following are not eligible for consideration:
  • Members of the AAUW Board of Directors.
  • Employees of AAUW, including paid or unpaid, part-time or temporary employees, consultants, interns and contract employees.
  • AAUW Review Panelists.
  • Immediate families (i.e., spouses and dependent children) of individuals described in the points above.
  • Applicants for another national AAUW fellowship or grant, in the same year.
  • Previous national AAUW fellowship or grant recipients (excluding Community Action Grants or branch or local AAUW awards).
  • Applicants who are recommended for an award, however, whose discipline or institution of study is different than envisioned at the time of application will be disqualified.

Selection Criteria

• Academic excellence, as demonstrated by academic records and achievements, recognition from professors, and/or institutions, and other forms of distinction.
• Potential to make contribution to chosen field as a practicing professional and role model for other girls and women.
• Demonstrated commitment to helping women and girls through service in their communities or professions.
• Feasibility of applicants’ ability to complete their program of study based on sufficient, holistic financial support.
• Special consideration will be given to applicants who demonstrate their intent to professionally serve under resourced populations and communities or to pursue public interest areas.

For more information, visit AAUW.