USA Scholarships
AAUW Career Development Grant 2027 - Up to $8,000
The AAUW Career Development Grant 2027 offers up to $8,000 for women who need a short, accredited credential to move into or up in a field where women still hold less than half the jobs or less than half the leadership seats. AAUW has run career grants since the 1970s, and the current form pays the grantee directly in one disbursement at the start of the program or grant term. You must identify as a woman, hold at least an associate degree, and be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident. The winter and spring 2027 cycle covers programs starting 1 January through 30 June 2027. Apply between 18 August 2026 at 9am ET and 30 September 2026 at 5pm ET through AAUW''s fellowships portal; awards are announced in November 2026 with funds following in November or December.
What is the AAUW Career Development Grant 2027?
The AAUW Career Development Grant is for women who already have college credit on the board but need one more credential to change lanes or move up. AAUW pays up to $8,000 directly to you, in a single check timed to your program start, to cover tuition and fees for a short accredited certificate or training course. The grant is not a full degree scholarship. It targets programs that get you job-ready or promotion-ready in places where women still hold less than half the roles, STEM included but not STEM alone, and it also covers executive leadership training when you are already employed in an eligible field and women are scarce in senior leadership.
The winter and spring 2027 cycle is the one open in late 2026. Your training must begin between 1 January and 30 June 2027. Applications run 18 August through 30 September 2026, closing at 5pm Eastern, and AAUW reviews files on a rolling basis inside that window rather than waiting until the last day. Notifications go out in November 2026, with money following in November or December as classes start.
The citizenship line is strict: U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents only, with the usual territory list AAUW publishes each year. You also need at least an associate degree before you apply, and you must show acceptance or a solid application to a licensed or accredited provider. If you held another national AAUW grant before, read the alumnae rules carefully before you spend time on the essay.
For related funding from the same funder, compare the AAUW Research Publication Grant guide if you are finishing a manuscript rather than a certificate, or the Supporting STEM Scholarship guide for a smaller private STEM award with a different audience.
Eligibility
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✓Identify as a womanAAUW limits Career Development Grants to applicants who identify as women, consistent with its mission to advance equity for women and girls in education and the workplace.
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✓U.S. citizen, national, or permanent residentYou must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, or other U.S. territories. International students without permanent residency are not eligible.
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✓At least an associate degreeYou need an associate degree or higher already in hand. The grant funds post-degree certificate or training work, not your first college credential.
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✓Accepted to an eligible certificate or training programYou must have applied to or been accepted by an accredited or licensed program that leads to professional advancement or employment. The program start date must fall between 1 January 2027 and 30 June 2027 for this cycle.
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✓Field where women are underrepresentedYour program must sit in a field where women are less than 50% of the workforce, including STEM pathways, or you must be employed in a field where women hold less than 50% of senior leadership roles and seek executive or management training to advance.
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✓No prior national AAUW grant unless alumnae in good standingPrevious recipients of other national AAUW fellowships or grants are generally ineligible unless you are an AAUW alumna who completed all requirements and final reports for your prior award. Branch-level awards do not automatically disqualify you.
Benefits
- Maximum award Up to $8,000
- Payment One disbursement to grantee at program start
- Eligible costs Tuition and fees for accredited certificate or training
- Program timing Start 1 Jan - 30 Jun 2027 (this cycle)
- Renewable Competitive; prior grant may affect eligibility
- Paid to institution only No, funds go to the grantee
- International applicants Not eligible without U.S. permanent residency
Document checklist
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✓AAUW online applicationComplete the Career Development Grant application in AAUW's fellowships and grants portal during the published window. Create the account before the last week of September because reference requests take time.
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✓Program acceptance or application proofUpload evidence that you applied to or were accepted by your certificate or training program, including start date and institution name.
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✓Transcripts for degrees earnedProvide transcripts showing your associate degree or higher. Non-English documents need certified translation per AAUW rules.
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✓Resume or curriculum vitaeA current CV outlining education, employment, and how the credential fits your career plan in an underrepresented field.
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✓Personal statementAAUW asks for a statement tying your background, the program, and your advancement goals together. Follow the word limits in the live application form.
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✓Letters of recommendationSubmit the number of references AAUW requests in the portal, typically professional or academic contacts who can speak to your readiness for the program.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
What is the AAUW Career Development Grant?
It is a national grant of up to $8,000 from the American Association of University Women for women pursuing short, accredited certificate or training programs that advance careers in fields where women are underrepresented. AAUW also funds executive leadership training for employed women seeking management roles in those fields.
How much is the AAUW Career Development Grant worth?
The award ceiling is $8,000. AAUW pays grantees directly in one disbursement at the beginning of the grant term or when the program starts, not in monthly installments.
When is the AAUW Career Development Grant deadline for 2027 programs?
For programs starting between 1 January and 30 June 2027, applications open 18 August 2026 and close 30 September 2026 at 5pm Eastern Time. A separate summer and fall cycle opens 27 January 2027 for later start dates.
Who is eligible for AAUW Career Development Grants?
Women who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents, who hold at least an associate degree, and who are entering an accredited certificate or training program in an underrepresented field with a start date in the current cycle window.
Can international students apply for AAUW Career Development Grants?
Only if you are a U.S. permanent resident or otherwise meet AAUW's citizenship and immigration rules. F-1 students without permanent residency should look at the [AAUW International Fellowship guide](/fellowships/aauw-international-fellowship-usa-2028) instead.
Does the AAUW Career Development Grant pay tuition directly to my school?
No. AAUW sends the grant to you as the grantee. You use the funds for tuition and related costs of the approved program according to AAUW's grant terms.
Can I get an AAUW Career Development Grant more than once?
AAUW generally bars repeat national awards unless you are an alumna in good standing who completed reporting on a prior fellowship or grant. Read the current eligibility page if you held a previous AAUW national award.
What programs qualify for the Career Development Grant?
Accredited or licensed certificate and training programs that lead to employment or advancement in fields where women are less than half the workforce, plus executive leadership programs for women employed in eligible fields. Industry certification prep may receive priority when clearly tied to credential outcomes.
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