2026 Career Development Grants for Women in United States Application Invited, Career Development Grants promote gender equity in education and the workforce by providing financial support of up to $8,000 to women aiming to enter, shift into, or progress within industries where they are traditionally underrepresented—especially science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The grants support short-term, accredited learning opportunities, including certificate programs, targeted training, or coursework designed to deliver clear employment or career advancement outcomes within 6 to 12 months.
Women enrolled in full degree programs, such as master’s degrees, are not eligible for Career Development Grants. However, those planning to pursue postgraduate education are encouraged to explore AAUW’s Selected Professions Fellowships or American Fellowships.
In addition, AAUW invites applications from women working in sectors where leadership positions continue to be dominated by men—such as business, law, and STEM—who are undertaking executive or leadership development programs to advance into senior or decision-making roles.
By investing in diverse professional pathways, AAUW works to narrow gender disparities across technical and leadership fields, enabling more women to lead, innovate, and succeed in the industries shaping tomorrow.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full details and submit their applications before the specified deadline to seize this grant opportunity.
Last Date of Submission: 1st March 2025
Grant Details for 2026 Career Development Grants for Women in United States Application Invited
The maximum funding available under the Career Development Grants is $8,000. Approved grant amounts are issued directly to the recipients and are released in a single installment, either at the commencement of the grant period or at the start of the approved program, as applicable.
Eligibility Criteria for 2026 Career Development Grants for Women in United States Application Invited
Applicants must self-identify as a woman and meet the following conditions:
- Applicants should be applied to, accepted into, or currently enrolled in a certificate or professional training program within a field where women represent less than 50% of the workforce, OR
- Be currently employed in a sector where women occupy fewer than 50% of senior leadership roles at the national, regional, or local level, if applying for executive or management-level training.
- The proposed program must be delivered by an accredited or licensed institution and should support career advancement or employment outcomes in the applicant’s selected field.
- Applicants are required to possess a minimum qualification of an Associate’s degree or higher.
Citizenship and Immigration Status
- Applicants must be S. citizens or permanent residents.
Applicants must enroll in an accredited certificate or professional training program within a field where women account for less than 50% of overall participation or senior leadership roles at the national, regional, or local level. AAUW strongly encourages applications from women pursuing careers in STEM, as well as other disciplines that continue to experience significant gender imbalances in workforce participation or leadership.
Eligible Fields
Eligible fields include, but are not limited to:
Architecture
Engineering
Funding is available across multiple engineering specialties, including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, chemical, civil, electrical, environmental, geotechnical, and mechanical engineering.
Executive Leadership or Management Development
Grants support women undertaking leadership or management training in business, law, STEM, and other sectors where women remain underrepresented in decision-making or executive roles at the national, regional, or local level.
Mathematics
Eligible areas include applied mathematics, statistics, and actuarial science.
Natural and Physical Sciences
Support is available for a wide range of scientific disciplines, such as agricultural science, biology, biomedical science, chemistry, geology, earth and environmental science, materials science, and physics.
Technology
Eligible technology-focused fields include artificial intelligence, automation, cloud computing, computer engineering, computer science, data analytics, robotics, and software development.
Other Underrepresented Fields
AAUW also invites applications from women pursuing certification or training in additional underrepresented areas, including finance, emerging technologies, and applied or technical trades.
Applicants must clearly demonstrate that women represent less than 50% of the workforce or senior leadership within their chosen field at the national, regional, or local level.
Selection Process
The proposed certificate or training program must be in a field where women represent less than 50% of the workforce.
Applicants should clearly demonstrate a focused and intentional career path toward entering or advancing within an underrepresented field. This may be shown through relevant work experience, ongoing skill development, defined career objectives, participation in mentorship or leadership initiatives, or by overcoming notable obstacles in their educational or professional journey. While academic accomplishments are valued, they are not mandatory.
Applicants must also show a commitment to supporting women and girls, reflected through community involvement, professional service, or advocacy efforts.
Consideration will be given to the feasibility of successfully completing the proposed program, including adequate time availability, financial stability, and access to necessary support systems.
Priority may be awarded to applicants whose accredited certificate or training programs lead directly to industry-recognized certifications, based on overall application strength and alignment with grant objectives.
Additional priority consideration may be given to:
- Applicants pursuing STEM-related certificate or training programs
- Individuals who have demonstrated resilience in overcoming life challenges beyond their control, such as economic hardship, discrimination, limited educational resources, or other adverse circumstances
- Applicants from single-parent households
- Student parents balancing education and caregiving responsibilities
- Applicants who are first-generation bachelor’s degree holders
These factors, while not mandatory, may strengthen an application when aligned with the goals of the program.
How to apply?
To begin your application, visit the AAUW Fellowships & Grants Application Portal to create an account or log in.
For step-by-step guidance on completing your application, refer to the Application Instructions and Sample Application.
Note: For more comprehensive details click the link below
Get full access to the grant information, visit the Official Website Link
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