AAUW seeks experienced professionals, scholars, and practitioners with demonstrated commitments to advancing gender equity. AAUW alumnae are strongly encouraged to apply as panel reviewers to share their experiences and expertise to help the next generation of award recipients.
Finding Future Fellows & Grantees
Help shape the future of women’s advancement in education, research, and the workplace.
Each year, AAUW convenes a distinguished network of experts and leaders to review Fellowship and Grant applications. Panelists play a direct role in identifying and elevating the next generation of scholars, professionals, and community leaders advancing gender equity.
Serving on an AAUW review panel is both a public service and a professional distinction — connecting your expertise with a nationally respected selection process that supports high-impact, equity-centered work across the country and globally.
Why Serve as an AAUW Panelist?
AAUW panelists are part of a trusted, expert community of reviewers that help steward millions of dollars in funding for women and girls. As a panelist, you will:
- Evaluate high-quality applications from exceptional applicants.
- Expand your professional network across diverse fields, disciplines, institutions, and organizations.
- Strengthen your expertise in competitive review and selection processes.
- Advance AAUW’s mission to promote equity for women and girls.
- Shape the direction of research across diverse fields and disciplines
- Enhance your professional profile through meaningful service and leadership.
- Receive a service recognition letter and honorarium in appreciation of your time and expertise.
Many panelists return year after year, citing the experience as both intellectually rewarding and professionally enriching, while also valuing the supportive community and lasting connections it fosters.
Panelist Spotlight
“As an AAUW alumna working in the traditionally male-dominated fields of architecture and urban planning, being an AAUW panelist enhanced my understanding of how women’s challenges are shared and spread globally. Each year, I re-evaluate and rethink strategies to better achieve inclusive leadership and equitable representation. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to supporting women professionals and promoting planning practices that reflect diverse perspectives and lived experiences. It is a stepping stone in your professional experience. It brings the world’s women’s achievements, experiences, and challenges with impressive and visionary solutions to your desk without extra effort. Beyond being insightful and rewarding, you are also contributing to women’s success and equitable empowerment.”
— Tigist Kassahun Temesgen
AAUW International Project Grants Panelist
AAUW International Project Grants Panelist
“Having faced much discrimination in my professional life, I appreciated the opportunity to help women with their careers. I gained new appreciation for the struggles international women face, especially in male-dominated societies. AAUW is well organized and the system will not waste your time. You will appreciate reading the applicants’ stories and advocating for them. The final step is amazing. I love hearing about the other top applicants.”
— Dr. Caren Yglesias
AAUW International Fellowship Panelist
AAUW International Fellowship Panelist
“I have been able to see the exciting new research conducted by doctoral students and faculty members. I have also learned a lot about other disciplines during the panel meetings…Being a review panelist is very useful for individuals wanting to improve their grant writing skills and for advising students who are seeking funding.”
— Dr. Stacey Camp
AAUW American Fellowships Panelist
AAUW American Fellowships Panelist
Who We’re Looking For
- Doctoral degree required
- Active research, publication, or advanced scholarly work in relevant discipline
- Expertise in relevant discipline
- Ability to evaluate applicants from diverse academic, professional, and cultural backgrounds
- Graduate or professional degree
- Professional experience in field of practice
- Applied expertise in workforce or career advancement contexts
- Ability to evaluate applicants from diverse educational and professional backgrounds
- Experience in grant writing, review, administration, budgeting, or program design
- Background in education, nonprofit leadership, diversity, equity, inclusion, corporate social responsibility, or community-based work
- Understanding of equity issues impacting women and girls in STEM and education
- Experience or knowledge in international and/or global development, whether through professional work, academic study, or field experience
- Background in education, nonprofit leadership, diversity, equity, inclusion, corporate social responsibility, or community-based work
- Ability to evaluate applications across a broad range of topics and contexts within the field
- Demonstrated commitment to advancing women and girls globally
What Panelists Do
- Review approximately 20–30 applications per review cycle
- Score and assess proposals based on AAUW review criteria
- Collaborate with a co-panelist to review and rank applicants
- Present top-ranked applicants to the full panel and participate in group discussion to reach consensus on finalists (if applicable)
- Recommend finalists for AAUW Fellowships and Grants
Time Commitment & Timeline
Panelists complete reviews remotely and participate in virtual panel meetings, if applicable. Panelists are expected to meet all review deadlines and fulfill their assigned review responsibilities.
Review timelines vary by program.
Typical review cycle
- Application reviews: December – February
- Virtual panel meetings (if applicable): February – March
Selected Professions Fellowship
- Review period: February – March
Career Development Grants: Panelists may be asked to review applications for one or both funding rounds.
Career Development Grants Round 1
- Review period: October
Career Development Grants Round 2
- Review period: March – April
Becoming an AAUW Reviewer
To be considered for an upcoming review cycle:
- Navigate to AAUW’s Grants & Fellowships Portal
- Create an account
- Select “Reviewer Applicant” as your profile type
- Complete your profile and submit your request
- Upload your CV or resume under “People Record” (required for review)
You will receive confirmation once your application is complete and under consideration.
Join a National Network of Reviewers
AAUW panelists are part of a respected community of experts advancing gender equity through rigorous, mission-aligned selection processes.
Serving as a reviewer is more than service – it is an opportunity to help shape the future of gender equity, support transformative research and community initiatives, and gain insight into emerging ideas, innovative approaches, and the work that is defining the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
Fair & Ethical Review
AAUW maintains a rigorous, confidential, and equitable review process that is regularly reviewed by our AAUW Panelist Advisory Board. Before reviewing applications, panelists receive guidance on confidentiality and conflict of interest expectations. Our goal is to ensure every application receives a fair and impartial review.
Questions?
Contact: awards@aauw.org
