Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are important fields of study that lead to exciting, fulfilling, well-paid careers. More women and girls are still needed to pursue these pathways, and there are many creative ways to encourage, inspire, and empower them! As a result, AAUW State College awards mini-grants of up to $500 to local organizations, schools, and groups that propose STEM-rich projects, programs, events, or activities that will engage and positively impact Centre County girls or women.
Award Criteria:
- Proposed plans should include informal or formal STEM-focused educational activities, skill-building opportunities, female role models, unique experiences, exposure to resources, career information or exploration , etc.
- Intended audiences should be majority female OR an intentional plan to recruit and actively engage female participants should be clearly articulated.
Note: AAUW supports efforts that are open and welcoming to all.
- Proposals should clearly describe how funds will be used.
- Recipients are expected to publicly acknowledge AAUW State College for its support and provide a brief follow-up report.
New applicants are encouraged and welcome to contact the STEM Committee to receive feedback and input on their ideas before submitting an official proposal..
To Apply:
- Online: Complete the form and submit; be sure to upload any additional supportive files first.
- Via Email: Send a completed application form via email attachment to STEM@aauwstatecollege.org with “AAUW State College STEM Mini-Grant Proposal” in the subject line.
Selection and Timeline: The AAUW STEM Committee meets monthly (except during the summer) and reviews applications on that basis.
Questions? Email STEM@aauwstatecollege.org.
Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis.
Online Application
Mail Application
2024-2025 AAUW STEM Mini-grant Awardees
“Girls and women are systematically tracked away from science and math throughout their education, limiting their access, preparation, and opportunities to go into these fields as adults. The gender gaps are particularly high in some of the fastest-growing and highest-paid jobs of the future, like computer science and engineering.” – AAUW
AAUW State College is committed to promoting interest and achievement among girls and women in the STEM areas, funding several local STEM initiatives:
Bellefonte Area School District
“Family STEAM Night”
Books featuring female role models in STEM fields were selected and provided to attendees.
YMCA State College
“Summer Day Camp STEM Activity”
Girl campers helped to select hands-on activities to be used during STEM sessions with all campers.
Bellefonte Art Museum
“From Your Backyard to the Cosmos: The Beauty and Science of Astrophotography”
A museum exhibition that prominently included female astrophysicists and astrophotographers.
Bellefonte Community Children’s Garden
“A science in the garden program where we all GROW!”
Needed supplies and garden updates were purchased to support the partnership program between the Bellefonte Garden Club and all 2nd and 3rd grade students in the Bellefonte Elementary School.
PENN STATE EMPOWER & ENVISION
Empower is a networking and professional development conference hosted annually by the State College Chapter of Graduate Women in Science (GWIS) at Penn State University Park for students, post-docs, faculty, and professionals in the STEM fields. Empower provides participants with opportunities to interact with others from different backgrounds and experiences through small group discussions or activities. Speakers share various stories, experiences, and advice with attendees.
Envision is a Saturday event held in February/March. Area students in grades 6-12 are invited to spend a day at Penn State University Park to explore different career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. A highlight is the opportunity to participate in three hands-on workshops featuring different research projects and networking discussions with Penn State faculty and students. Young girls and women are encouraged to pursue studies and careers in any STEM field that interests them.
PENN STATE SCIENCE-U
AAUW State College funds scholarships to Science U. Girls and young women who live or attend school in Centre County are invited to apply for a scholarship to attend a Science-U summer science camp at Penn State University. Scholarship applications for students entering grades 6-12 become available in mid-November on the Science-U website and require a short essay and a recommendation form completed by a STEM teacher. Successful applicants attend a free day camp focused on topics such as ecology, astronomy, genetics, materials science, and medicine.
2023 Video from Science U, taught by AAUW State College member Carline Crevecoeur, MD
A hands-on workshop at Penn State Envision gives students a chance to really experience working in the sciences.