Press Releases

AAUW Awards Over $5.3 Million to 228 Women Scholars and Community Projects for 2025-2026

July 14, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — AAUW proudly announces our new AAUW fellowships and grants recipients for the 2025-2026 academic year. “For more than 100 years, AAUW’s fellowships and grants have opened doors for women to lead, innovate, and thrive,” notes AAUW CEO Gloria L. Blackwell. “This funding is not just support—it’s a catalyst for change, especially for women of color and those in STEM who continue to face systemic barriers. I am inspired by this year’s recipients and excited to see how their work will shape a better future for us all.” Our 228 outstanding awardees have been granted a projected total of $5,312,656 to support their academic and professional goals. 

The 2025–2026 awardees reflect the diversity, resilience, and academic excellence that define AAUW’s mission: 

  • 67% of American Fellows, 54% of International Fellows, 42% of Career Development Grantees, and 85% of Selected Professions Fellows identify as women of color. 
  • Up to 65% of awardees across multiple programs are first-generation college graduates. 
  • Up to 65% come from or lead single-parent households. 
  • Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) remain a strong focus, with up to 73% of fellows in these fields, depending on the award type. 
  • International Fellows represent 33 countries, with continued growth from underrepresented nations, including our first fellow from the Democratic Republic of Congo. 
  • Community Action Grantees are implementing change in 16 states, with 80% promoting STEM equity for K–12 girls. 

AAUW’s longstanding commitment to empowering women in higher education and professional fields remains unshaken in the face of the current pervasive dismantling of educational equity in America. “Despite ongoing challenges,” says Blackwell, “AAUW continues to stand firm as a lifeline for scholars navigating political headwinds. We will continue to persist in the face of academic backlash because all women deserve equitable access to education.”  

Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year will open on August 1, 2025.  

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AAUW (American Association of University Women) is the nation’s leading organization for equity in higher education and women’s economic empowerment.  

Founded in 1881 by women who defied society’s conventions by earning college degrees, AAUW has since worked to increase women’s access, opportunity, and equity in higher education through research, advocacy, and philanthropy of over $146 million, supporting thousands of women scholars. Learn more at aauw.org.