The Anacortes Branch of the American Association of University Women is offering $2000 scholarships to women who are in an undergraduate degree program, a vocational certification program, or planning to take courses beyond the undergraduate level in preparation for an advanced degree.

The scholarship will be paid directly to the accredited college, university, or training institution where the student is registered. The funds may be used by the student at any time during the year for books, tuition, and/or supplies.The Anacortes Branch of the American Association of University Women is offering five $1500 scholarships to women who are in an undergraduate degree program, a vocational certification program, or planning to take courses beyond the undergraduate level in preparation for an advanced degree. The woman must either be an Anacortes High School graduate OR have resided on Fidalgo Island or Guemes Island for the last three years. Previous applicants and recipients of AAUW scholarships may apply; however, it is not available to high school seniors or those applying for their freshmen year.

The American Association of University Women’s mission is advancing equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy.  The Anacortes Branch was started in 1956 and has given more than $130,000 in scholarships to local women since 1988.

The AAUW Scholarship Committee will consider the following selection criteria:

• Anacortes High School or Cap Sante previous graduate OR resident of Fidalgo or Guemes Island for the last three years
• NOT available to high school seniors
• Previous applicant and recipients of AAUW scholarships may apply
• Female applicants only
• Shows commitment to education and career goals and demonstrates experiences related to achieving goals
• Academic history a consideration
• Preference to students with financial need or those who have made personal contributions to fund their education
• Preference to students who have served their community or had unique life experiences

• freshman
• sophomore
• junior
• senior
• graduate

• US Citizen
• Permanent Resident

You may access the link to the application through the Anacortes Schools Foundation: https://www.anacortesschoolsfoundation.org/scholarships/

Applications must include:

• Resumé
• Unofficial electronic transcripts from accredited colleges, universities, or training institutions attended, and an unofficial transcript from Anacortes High School if the woman is a graduate
• Personal Statement which describes in 500 words or less your commitment to your educational and career goals. Explain any special circumstances, including financial, that have influenced your plans.

The Past

The Anacortes Branch of the American Association of University Women was chartered April 26, 1956 with twenty-two members.  At that time, membership rules stated that a member must have a minimum of a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. At the first meeting, which took place in a member’s home, it was stated that one of the main purposes was to keep its members informed on local, national, and international affairs.  They pledged to support the National AAUW Fellowship Fund which provided scholarships for both national and international students. Their early fundraisers were children’s plays and profits went to both National AAUW and to a girl graduating from Anacortes High School.  Other early activities were a Mother/Daughter tea held at AHS for junior and senior girls – the speakers were recent graduates of Washington’s five major colleges, with the purpose of encouraging the girls to attend college.

The Present

At the present time, we have over 30 members.  Our monthly meetings are open to the public, and we feature speakers who keep us informed of local, national and international affairs.  During the summer we have casual events in lieu of general meetings. 

We offer scholarships to local women who are attending college and STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) awards to Anacortes High School girls who plan to pursue a STEM career.  Our branch also solicits funds from local business donors to send girls from area middle schools to Tech Trek Camp.

Every year we organize fundraisers to generate money for scholarships, STEM awards and Tech Trek.  In 2021 we organized a Mermen Contest to select 12 local mermen to ride on a float in the 4th of July Parade and appear in a calendar.

Since 1988 we have awarded over $92,000 in scholarships and almost $29,000 in STEM awards for a total of $121,500.

We also sponsor candidate forums, and we attend the Washington State AAUW Convention every other year to keep up with what is happening at the state level.

The Future

AAUW Membership

AAUW Anacortes is interested in expanding its membership.  Our branch supports local STEM programs and scholarships, Tech Trek summer camp for 7th grade students, and scholarships for women who are pursuing a college degree.  Monthly meetings are open to the public and feature interesting guest speakers that support our mission to advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy.

Should you have questions about the application process, please contact:

Barbara Benson, AAUW Scholarship Chair

aauwanacortes@gmail.com or (360) 202-3034