AAUW Lower Connecticut Valley Branch Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by American Association of University Women Inc

Program Overview
**Description**
The Lower Connecticut Valley (LCV) Branch of AAUW, through its Education and Scholarship Program (ESP), is accepting applications for the 2026 Education Grants Program. The program exists to support women from the local area who are pursuing undergraduate degrees and who demonstrate personal goals, academic achievement, and financial need. This overview explains the program’s purpose and that applications are open for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Key takeaways:
- Administered by AAUW LCV Branch’s Education and Scholarship Program (ESP).
- Supports undergraduate women from the LCV service area.
- Applications being accepted for the 2026 cycle.

Eligibility
**Who may apply**
Applicants must be women who are at least 20 years old by December 31, 2026, are residents of Middlesex or New London County, CT, and are pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Eligibility is limited to those meeting all three criteria above; meeting these requirements is a prerequisite before submitting application materials. Confirmation of residency and enrollment will be required as part of the application process.

Key takeaways:
- Must be female and age 20+ by Dec 31, 2026.
- Must be pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Must reside in Middlesex or New London County, CT.

Award Value
**Grant amount**
The Education Grants Program awards $5,000 grants to eligible recipients. Awards are determined by a combination of the applicant’s personal goals, academic record, and demonstrated financial need. Funds are intended to support educational expenses for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Key takeaways:
- Each award is $5,000.
- Selection considers goals, academic performance, and financial need.
- Intended to support the recipient’s upcoming academic year.

Application Timeline
**Important dates**
The grant process for the 2026–2027 academic year opens in April 2026, and selected grant recipients will be announced in July 2026. Specific submission instructions, application forms, and any deadline details are provided on the official application. Applicants should review the application promptly after it becomes available to confirm required deadlines and submission procedures.

Key takeaways:
- Application cycle opens April 2026.
- Grant recipients announced in July 2026.
- See the official application for submission details and deadlines.

Application Rules and Required Materials
**Submission and eligibility requirements**
Applicants must meet several academic and documentation requirements in addition to basic eligibility. Required items include a minimum of 12 previously earned college credits, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and evidence of ongoing enrollment (minimum six credits taken in the spring and at least six credits planned for the following semester). The application must include a FAFSA Summary (Student Aid Report), an official spring semester transcript, proof of enrollment for the next semester, and contact emails for two recommenders (one must be a professor). Applicants may not be current members of the AAUW LCV Branch nor relatives of branch members, and may not have previously received this grant more than twice.

Key takeaways:
- Minimum 12 college credits earned; minimum 6 credits taken in spring and 6 planned for next semester.
- Cumulative GPA must be ≥ 3.0.
- Required documents: FAFSA Summary, official spring transcript, proof of next-semester enrollment, and two recommender contacts (one professor).
- Ineligible if a member or relative of a member of AAUW LCV Branch; no more than two prior LCV grants awarded to the same applicant.

Scholarships to Leadership Conferences
**Conference opportunity**
Separately from the education grants, AAUW LCV provides scholarships for college women to attend an AAUW-promoted leadership conference held in May at the University of Maryland. The conference emphasizes advocacy, health and wellness, and leadership skill-building to help participants succeed on campus, in their communities, and in their careers. These conference scholarships are distinct from the $5,000 education grants and have their own application and selection criteria.

Key takeaways:
- Scholarships fund attendance at an AAUW leadership conference in May at the University of Maryland.
- Conference focus: advocacy, health/wellness, and leadership development.
- Conference scholarships are a separate opportunity from the $5,000 education grants.

History and Purpose of the Award
**Background**
The Education Grants Program is administered by the Education and Scholarship Program of the AAUW Lower Connecticut Valley Branch to advance educational opportunities for women in the local region. The award aligns with AAUW’s broader mission to promote equity and support women’s academic and professional advancement. While the program’s specific structure and award amount are provided each grant cycle, its core purpose remains supporting women’s undergraduate education in Middlesex and New London counties.

Key takeaways:
- Administered by AAUW LCV Branch’s Education and Scholarship Program.
- Supports AAUW’s mission to advance equity for women through educational grants.
- Focused on undergraduate women from Middlesex and New London counties.

Where to Get the Application and More Information
**Next steps**
Submission details and the official application form are available on the program’s application materials; applicants should consult that source for exact instructions, forms, and any updates. If you have questions about eligibility, documentation, or deadlines, contact the AAUW LCV Education and Scholarship Program directly using the contact information provided on the application.

Key takeaways:
- Obtain the official application for submission instructions and deadlines.
- Review required documents before applying.
- Contact AAUW LCV ESP for any clarifying questions.