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. 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.
Table of Content
Summary
- Application DeadlineSeptember 30, 2025
- Value$8,000
- Study LevelEntrepreneurs
- SponsorAmerican Association of University Women (AAUW)
- City to studyMassachusetts
- School to studyAmerican Association of University Women (AAUW)
- Eligible CountryUnited States
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Benefits
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.
Requirements
- 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.
Selection Process
- The certificate, credential or training program sought is 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.
- Applicants must demonstrate a clear and purposeful trajectory toward or within a career in a high-growth STEM field where women are underrepresented. This may be reflected through professional experience, pursuit of skill-building opportunities, career-related goals, mentorship or leadership activities, or overcoming significant barriers in their educational or career journey. Traditional academic achievements are welcome but are not required.
- Applicant demonstrates a commitment to helping women and girls through service in their communities or professions.
- Feasibility of applicants’ ability to complete their certificate, credential, or training program based on sufficient time, financial resources, and other support.
- 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 hail from single parent households (Preferred).
Application Deadline
September 30, 2025How To Apply
For more details, visit AAUW Grants webpage
