Deadline: September 30, 2025
The AAUW Career Development Grants 2026 are now open for applications, offering women the opportunity to access up to $8,000 in funding to support professional growth and career advancement. This programme is designed to empower women pursuing certificates, credentials, or training programmes—particularly in high-demand STEM fields where women remain underrepresented.
This round of the AAUW Career Development Grants 2026 has been redesigned to focus exclusively on non-degree programmes, setting it apart from earlier years that also supported advanced degree pursuits.
Grant Overview
- Funding Amount: Up to $8,000
- Grant Disbursement: Paid in full at the programme’s start or the beginning of the grant term
- Purpose: To support women pursuing training, leadership development, or professional certification opportunities—especially in STEM fields experiencing high growth and low female representation
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the AAUW Career Development Grants 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Gender Requirement: Must identify as a woman
- Educational Requirement: Must hold a bachelor’s degree at the time of application
- Programme Requirements:
- Must be in STEM fields with projected occupational growth of 5% or more over the next 8–10 years
- Must address areas where women represent less than 50% of the workforce
- Must consist of at least 400 instructional hours
- Must be provided by an accredited or licensed institution
- Must lead to tangible career advancement or employment outcomes
- Priority Consideration: Applications leading to industry-recognised certifications may receive priority during selection
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: September 30, 2025
- Application Status: Open now
What Changed in 2026
Unlike previous editions, the AAUW Career Development Grants 2026 no longer support advanced degrees. Instead, this round is entirely focused on non-degree opportunities such as professional certificates, technical training, and leadership development programmes.
Previously, the funding structure offered up to $20,000 for degree programmes and $8,000 for non-degree training. Now, the maximum award for all applicants is set at $8,000, with an emphasis on aligning with the growing demand for skilled professionals in STEM-related industries.
Why This Grant Matters
The AAUW Career Development Grants are strategically designed to:
- Bridge the gender gap in STEM careers
- Provide women with access to industry-recognised skills and certifications
- Equip professionals with leadership and executive development opportunities
- Create pathways for advancement, especially in fields where women are significantly underrepresented
Application Process
Applications are submitted online via the official AAUW application portal. Interested applicants are encouraged to carefully review the requirements before starting the process.
- Deadline: September 30, 2025
- Where to Apply: Applications are submitted directly through AAUW’s online portal
Summary of AAUW Career Development Grants 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Deadline | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding Amount | Up to $8,000 |
| Programme Type | Certificate, credential, or training programme in STEM |
| Minimum Duration | 400 instructional hours |
| Institution Requirements | Must be accredited or licensed |
| Applicant Requirements | Must identify as a woman and hold a bachelor’s degree |
| Priority Consideration | Programmes that directly lead to industry certification |
| Focus Shift | Now exclusively non-degree, compared to past years which included degree support |
Final Thoughts
The AAUW Career Development Grants 2026 offer a timely opportunity for women eager to expand their skills, secure professional certifications, and advance their careers in high-demand STEM fields. With funding of up to $8,000 available, this grant programme continues AAUW’s commitment to bridging gender gaps in education and workforce participation.
If you are ready to take your career to the next level, this is your chance to apply and secure valuable support for your professional journey.
(contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refinning and review)
