AAUW Career Development Grant 2027: certificate funding and next application window

The AAUW Career Development Grant offers up to $8,000 for women advancing, changing fields, or pursuing executive training through an accredited certificate or training program. It does not fund a degree or a certificate embedded in a bachelor’s or master’s program; it supports shorter professional development. Funds may cover tuition, fees, required materials, transportation assistance, and dependent care, with potential tax implications depending on use.

Applicants must identify as a woman, hold at least an associate degree, and have applied to or been accepted into a certificate program in a field where women make up less than 50% of the workforce or senior leadership. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents in an eligible state or territory. The program must begin between January 1 and June 30, 2027; licensing exam costs are excluded.

The first winter/spring window closed September 30, 2026. The next opens January 27, 2027 at 9 a.m. Eastern and closes March 18 at 5 p.m.; AAUW expects review in March and April and notifications in April. Selection is competitive and subject to funding. Prepare proof of degree, program acceptance, a budget, and evidence of underrepresentation; explain how this specific training advances the applicant’s career.

Before applying, confirm that the cycle and academic program match your circumstances and that the window is still open. Start at the administrator’s link, save the rules, and prepare transcripts, FAFSA information, essays, and recommendations in the requested format. Track the application and reference deadlines separately: some portals close different components on different days. After submitting, monitor email and your dashboard until the file is marked complete. Ask your campus financial-aid office how the award will coordinate with FAFSA, other scholarships, and benefits, and request a written estimate of remaining charges. Do not budget funds that have not been awarded.

Before applying, confirm that the school and program participate, check cycle requirements and dates, keep a copy and submission receipt, and ask how the award coordinates with FAFSA and other benefits. Do not budget funds that have not been awarded.

When comparing options, identify whether the benefit is a scholarship, grant, tuition exemption, or loan: not all aid must be repaid or applies to the same charges. Ask the college for a written estimate after FAFSA and other awards, check renewal and academic-progress rules, and do not accept a loan thinking it is a scholarship.

Read the program profile and the federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.

Career Development Grants — American Association of University Women.

Start Your Application — American Association of University Women.

Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Each program has its own funding, eligibility, and calendar; confirm the current terms before applying. An open cycle or advertised award does not guarantee funding.

Bottom line

Confirm eligibility, current terms, and application steps with the official source before relying on aid for college costs.

Editorial selection

Options to compare

These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.

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College scholarship and financial-aid program