Position on Welfare Reauthorization
Education and Training in Welfare/TANF
Since 1881, the American Association of University Women has been the nation's leading voice in advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. AAUW believes increased access to education and training programs are necessary for poor women to become self-sufficient, attain jobs that pay a living wage, and move permanently off welfare. AAUW's 2009-2011 Public Policy Program affirms AAUW's commitment to supporting economic self-sufficiency for all women and advocates "strengthening programs, including welfare and vocational education, to improve postsecondary education access, career development and earning potential."1
AAUW supports policies which provide long-term solutions to economic inequity, an example of which is providing women and girls with unrestricted access to education and job training. Statistics show that educational access is closely linked to economic security. Only by improving employability through education and training can women and their families become financially empowered and economically self-sufficient.
For more information, call 202/785-7793 or e-mail VoterEd@aauw.org.
AAUW Public Policy and Government Relations
1 American Association of University Women. (June 2009). 2009-11 AAUW Public Policy Program. Retrieved July 9, 2009, from http://www.aauw.org/act/issue_advocacy/principles_priorities.cfm.