A 50-year History of Championing Women in Science
Founded in 1971, AWIS has been the leading advocate for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to achieve business growth, social change, and innovation. With over 30 grassroots chapters, we are dedicated to driving excellence in STEM by achieving equity and full participation of women.
Our Mission
To ensure that all women in science can achieve their full potential. AWIS champions the interests of women in science across all disciplines and employment sectors.
Our Vision
To be the voice for driving change and equity for all women in science.
“The “W” in AWIS stands for women. Our community knows that the collective “W” includes women of color, women from different socioeconomic backgrounds, women with disabilities, women who are caregivers, and women who are cisgender (when biological sex at birth matches gender identity), as well as those who identify as transgender (when biological sex at birth and identity are different), nonbinary, gender-fluid, and/or queer. We include everyone in our “W.” Indeed, we might even think of the “W” in AWIS as meaning “whole-person.”
Jessi L. Smith, PhD, AWIS member since 2013
Who We Help
For Professionals, AWIS provides career resources, professional development and leadership skills, as well as networking, mentoring, and volunteer opportunities.
For Students, AWIS provides scholarships and access to the people and resources that support their career entry and development.
For Employers, AWIS provides employers access to qualified talent and inclusionary tools to build, diversify, and retain equitable workforces and enhance overall workplace performance.
For Supporters, AWIS provides allies and donors with opportunities to support the individual and collective advancement of women in the science professions.
For Society: AWIS contributes to innovation, economic growth, and advancement of the scientific profession by advocating for equity and the advancement of women.
Recognized Impact and Reach
350,000
AWIS Career Center Job Views Last Year
68,000
Social Media Followers
30,000
Monthly Website Visitors
25,000
Email Newsletter Subscribers
6,500
AWIS Members
26
Local Chapters
9
Scholarships Annually
9
Awards Annually
More About Our Members
Please note: This data is self-reported by members, and they can choose not to answer these questions on their profile.
AWIS Members by Discipline
AWIS Members by Employment Sector
AWIS Members by Career Stage
AWIS Members by Race/Ethnicity
Our Strategic Plan
Our Values
EQUITY – We strive for fair treatment without discrimination, exclusion, and free of bias.
ENABLEMENT – We strive to promote optimal work/life integration and create opportunities that reflect the dignity of women serving in multiple roles.
INCLUSION – We strive to create a culture and sense of welcoming, connection, and belonging that honors intersectionality to ensure support, resources, and access.
RECOGNITION – We strive to acknowledge, promote, amplify, and celebrate the diversity, scientific contributions, and achievements of women.
TRANSFORMATION – We strive to advocate for innovation and change to beliefs, policies, and systems, past or present, that create structural barriers and/or disparities.
Our Commitment
The Association for Women in Science is dedicated to advocating for equitable access to opportunities, resources and mentorship for all women in STEM – especially those who have been marginalized or historically excluded – and fostering a sense of belonging, not only as a moral imperative, but to drive scientific progress since diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds are proven catalysts for scientific innovation and advancement.
Therefore, we are committed to fostering an environment for AWIS members, staff, and board members where diversity is valued and respected. Specifically:
- Embracing differences and intersectional identities to ensure a sense of belonging.
- Advocating for the unique interests of women in STEM fields to enable our members to make valuable contributions to the scientific community.
- Creating professional development opportunities and connections to help advance women’s careers at every stage.
- Providing education to address bias, promote equitable and inclusive practices, and help organizations acquire, recognize, support, and retain women.
- Educating the general public about the contributions of women scientists.
- Advocating for systemic change to ensure safe, inclusive spaces for women in STEM.
We believe these commitments will increase diversity of experience and perspectives within the AWIS community and strengthen our organization.
How You Can Help
Do you believe in our mission to champion women in science? You can make a lasting impact for current and future women scientists. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Make a Donation — Support our advocacy, education, and career advancement efforts with a monetary gift. AWIS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, so your gift is tax-deductible.
- Become a Member — AWIS members create a safe, supportive community for women scientists. As an AWIS member, you can invest in yourself and fellow women in science.
- Become a Partner — Higher education institutions, corporations, and other organizations partner with AWIS to connect with and champion our global network of women scientists.
For additional information about how you can support AWIS, please email awis@awis.org or call us at 202-827-9798.