AWIS Caregiver Advancement Scholarship

Caregiving obligations are among the leading causes of women leaving or pausing STEM careers.

The AWIS Caregiver Advancement Scholarship recognizes that caregiving responsibilities disproportionately affect women in STEM and can significantly interrupt or slow career and educational progress. This program honors the resilience of AWIS members who navigate both caregiving and professional pursuits, providing tangible financial support to help them continue advancing in science.

AWIS will award up to $575 to assist in covering the cost of substitute care at home – or bringing your dependents and substitute caregiver with you — so that you may attend conferences, trainings, or classes.

Thanks to a $100,000 grant provided by Every Page Foundation, we are able to offer the Caregiver Advancement Scholarship and our Bridge Grants. Every Page Foundation works to advance gender equity by prioritizing the health and security of women and girls, as well as their educational opportunities and career development. We are so very grateful for their support.

Logo for Every Page Foundation featuring a geometric design of four purple rectangles forming a grid to the left of the black text EVERY PAGE FOUNDATION on a light gray background, symbolizing their commitment to grant support.

Eligibility Requirements

1. AWIS Membership
Applicants must be current AWIS members in good standing at the time of application and at the time of the award disbursement. (Note: If you are not yet an AWIS member, you can join now to become eligible.)

2. Active Caregiving Responsibilities
Applicants must be serving as a primary, unpaid caregiver for a family member, including but not limited to:

  • A dependent child or children (any age with care needs)
  • An aging parent or relative
  • A spouse, life partner, or relative with a disability, chronic illness, or serious health condition

Applicants will be asked to briefly describe and self-attest to their caregiving situation. Documentation is not required.

3. Financial Need
Applicants must demonstrate that caregiving responsibilities have created financial strain that limits their ability to pursue educational or professional development opportunities. This does not require income verification — a short-written explanation is sufficient along with an attestation statement.

Permitted Uses of Award Funds

Recipients may use the award to cover substitute caregiver costs so you can attend a professional development activity, conference, or similar opportunities. Permitted uses include:

  • Respite caregiver coming to your home
  • Extended daycare hours
  • Paying for childcare support near or at the location site
  • Travel costs for dependent and substitute caregiver

Recipients will be asked to identify their intended use at the time of application. Funds may be used across multiple categories as long as total expenses are documented.

Application Requirements

Component
Details

Personal Statement

500 words describing caregiving situation, financial impact, and specific goal the award will support

Self-Attestation

Signed statement confirming active caregiving responsibilities and AWIS membership

Budget Summary

Brief description of how funds will be used (no receipts required)

 

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Award Administration

This is a rolling application process. AWIS will make award decisions within 4 weeks of the application date.

Award recipients must provide a brief 1–2 paragraph report 6 months after the award describing how funds were used and any impact on their goals.