Study in US: AAUW Awards $6.2 M to Women Scholars and Community Organizations

The AAUW award was given to 261 fellows and grantees to improve the educational and professional opportunities for girls and women.

American Association for University Women (AAUW) has announced an award of $6.2 million to women scholars and community organizations. It was provided to 261 women and organizations which are community-based to improve the professional and educational opportunities for girls and women and also to advance gender equity.

AAUW CEO Gloria L. Blackwell commented, “Women have been historically underfunded in their higher education pursuits. When women are adequately funded, they can finish dissertations, conduct research, and make history.”

“The Fellowships & Grants program is a cornerstone of AAUW’s commitment to easing the burden of student debt, which disproportionately affects women, particularly women of color. The ability to pay off that debt is hampered by a lifelong pay gap that affects women in nearly every profession, from graduation to retirement. AAUW’s awards decrease student debt, allowing women to focus on pursuing their educational and career aspirations,” reads the official statement.

2024 AAUW Fellowships & Grants Details

A total of 88 American Fellowships were granted, of which 69% represent diverse ethnicities and 33% grants funded women of color. These fellows are from 43 countries which for the first time also includes Saint Lucia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Community-based U.S. organizations have received 18 Community Action Grants.

$11,550 average annual loss for working women due to pay disparity

A recent survey by the AAUW has found that working women are losing $11,550 on average annually due to pay disparity as compared to male employees. The study found that full-time working women earned 83% as compared to men in 2023, a decline of 84% as against the last year.

Gloria L. Blackwell, CEO of AAUW said, “These inequities are not perpetuated due to individual women’s choices. They stem from policies that fail to support working women, including the lack of paid leave, affordable childcare, and comprehensive pay equity laws and practices. It’s time we have a serious conversation about how to fix this.”

“We cannot allow these disparities to continue unchecked. AAUW recognizes this is a systemic problem, and we won’t stop fighting until all women are paid fairly and have the support they need to build secure, equitable futures for themselves and their families," Blackwell said.

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