"I can't say that the college-bred woman is the most contented woman. The broader her mind the more she understands the unequal conditions between men and women, the more she shafes under a government that tolerates it." ~ Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906)

AAUW has made the education of women a priority since its organization in 1881 with the first mention of scholarships in Ann Arbor occurring in 1905. Through the 1930's the focus was on local scholarships for women to attend the University of Michigan. Later money raised through our annual Used Book Sale was sent to the Association and at least 50% of profits made are sent to the Educational Foundation which supports graduate fellowships and research.

Currently the branch supports local scholarships at the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College as well as recognizing five local high school senior women. The Mary Markley Scholarship was begun with a bequest from Mary Markley, a longtime AAUW member. Currently the fund, which is administered through the University of Michigan Financial Aid Office, is able to support two yearly grants of $4,000. This scholarship is awarded to women with junior standing, a grade point of 3.5 and demonstrating financial need.

Beginning in 1990, the branch funded an AAUW scholarship at the University of Michigan Center for the Education of Women, which is made available to women who have had an interruption of their education and are pursuing either an undergraduate or graduate degree. It has continued to grow as a result of contributions from the Used Book Sale and is awarded in the spring. (This year's awardee was Kristin Motz who is working on a master's degree in library science.)

In 1998, through a surprise bequest from Margaret Weddell Brandon, a member of the Ann Arbor Branch, we were able to expand the bequest to CEW to establish an endowed scholarship at Washtenaw Community College named after the donor. A similar scholarship also exists at Eastern Michigan University.

Beginning in 2003, the Ann Arbor Branch began giving High School Recognition Awards of $500. Graduating senior girls with at least a 2.5 grade point, demonstrating community service and potential, and enrolling in post-secondary education are chosen by their counselors for this award.

In addition to the local scholarships awarded, the Ann Arbor Branch has generously contributed to the American Association of University Women's Educational Foundation. In 1992, the branch reached its goal to endow the first Ann Arbor Branch American Fellowship, awarded to graduate students. A second Ann Arbor Branch International Fellowship was completed in 2000. A third endowment, the Ann Arbor Branch Centennial Named Unit was begun in 2001. The Branch also supports the Eleanor Roosevelt Fund for Women and Girls which funds educational research related to women and girls and gender equity projects in k-12 education.

More information about the fellowships and grants offered by AAUW can be found on the Fellowships and Grants website..