Educational Foundation
1888: The first American Fellowship awarded. AMERICAN FELLOWSHIPS support women completing dissertation work or engaging in post doctoral research.
1917: First International Fellowship awarded. INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIPS aid women from other countries in pursuing advanced study or training in the US. Upon completion, fellows are expected to return home to provide effective leadership or training.
1958: AAUW EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION established to administer the Fellowships, Grants, and Awards Program and to obtain funds for their support.
1972: RESEARCH AND PROJECTS GRANTS PROGRAMS begun. These encompass funding for degreed women seeking further education to enhance their career options; grants for public service for women of national distinction and outstanding young scholars; and training, national conferences, and research.
1988: Reading Branch combined two (2) Named Units into its own Fellowship. The Reading/S. Helen Ahrens American Fellowship Endowment. This endowment fellowship reached its stipend-producing goal of $100,000 in 2003. The first award was presented to a woman earning her medical doctorate in 2004.
1989: ELEANOR ROOSEVELT FUND FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS: INTERGENERATIONAL PARTERSHIPS launched.
2004: The PAST PRESIDENTS' FUND established to honor past Reading Branch presidents. A financial award will be given to the outstanding Berks County senior girls.
Individual members are encouraged to augment the branch's annual contribution and may also make a tribute or memorial gift to the Foundation at any time. All contributions should be credited to the Reading Branch Endowment #00390, and are tax-deductible. Please contact the Educational Foundation Chair, if you are interested in applying for a fellowship or grant.