AAUW was established in 1881 when there were very few women with college degrees and even fewer with post-graduate degrees. Founded for the fellowship of like minds, AAUW has promoted women’s rights and positive societal change through life-long education and equity for women and girls. It is the second largest women’s organization in the country with branches in every state and grants more scholarships for postgraduate work to women than any other organization in the world.
At the local level our branch offers scholarships through:
- Florida Gulf Coast University
- Florida SouthWestern State College
- Southwest Florida Community Foundation
- Local Technical Schools
- Grants/Awards to local girls for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
As a result of successful fundraising and generous contributions of our members, a broader community of girls and women continues to gain access to educational and economic opportunities.
Our branch also supports the following AAUW national funds:
- Legal Advocacy Fund – Includes Legal Case Support, LAF Case Support Travel Grants and Campus Outreach Projects.
- Educational Opportunities Fund – Includes Fellowships and Grants, the Fellows Alumnae Initiative, and the Undergraduate Scholarship Clearinghouse.
- Eleanor Roosevelt Fund – Honors an individual, project, organization, or institution for outstanding contributions to equality and education for women and girls.
The next time you have an opportunity to donate “in celebration of” consider supporting our branch’s efforts to break through barriers so that all women have a fair chance. Information on making a donation to AAUW Fort Myers/Lee Co. is found on the How to Donate page.