Founded in 1881, AAUW (formerly known as the American Association of University Women) represents nearly 100,000 college graduates across the U.S. , with about 2,000 in Washington state. At state and national levels, AAUW has been the nation’s leading voice promoting education and equity for women and girls. AAUW values and seeks members of every race, creed, age, national origin, sexual orientation, and level of physical ability.

• AAUW Fellowships, Grants and Awards: AAUW has a long and distinguished history of advancing educational and professional opportunities for women in the United States and around the globe. Each year AAUW provides millions of dollars in fellowships, grants, and awards for outstanding women around the globe and for community action projects. AAUW also funds pioneering research on women, girls, and education. Did you know AAUW gave money to Marie Curie to purchase one gram of radium? Learn more about AAUW’s history.
• AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund: The Legal Advocacy Fund (LAF) works to combat sex discrimination in higher education and workplaces through campus outreach programs, an online resource library, and research reports. LAF also provides support to workplace sex discrimination cases that have the potential to make a difference for all women.
• AAUW Issues (AAUW Action Fund): AAUW’s voice has long influenced legislative debate on critical social issues such as education, sex discrimination, civil rights, reproductive choice, affirmative action, Title IX, welfare reform, vocational education, pay equity, family and medical leave, and health care reform.
• AAUW Leadership Programs: Through Leadership programs, women and girls acquire the skills they need to succeed and assume leadership roles in their academic, professional, and personal lives. Programs include Campus Action Projects, the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders in Washington, D.C.