FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Shelley O’Brien
(202) 827-9798
obrien@awis.org
The Association for Women in Science Announces the AWIS Caregiver Advancement Scholarship Program
WASHINGTON DC, April 3, 2026 – The Association for Women in Science has launched the Caregiver Advancement Scholarship Program which will provide up to $575 to cover the cost of a substitute caregiver so that recipients can participate in professional development events and continue to advance their careers. Applicants must be AWIS members with active caregiving responsibilities and financial need.
“Caregiving responsibilities disproportionately impact women and negatively impact employee wages and promotability,” said Meredith Gibson, CEO of AWIS. “The reality is that caregiving is a universal, dynamic continuum that most individuals move up and down. Any one of us could be suddenly placed in a caregiving role following an accident or diagnosis of a loved one. These scholarships will support caregivers so they can bring new ideas, skills, or connections back to their organizations and accelerate innovations in STEM which benefit everyone.”
Caregiving extends beyond childcare to include eldercare and support for those with disabilities or mental health challenges. According to AARP, nearly 70% of family caregivers struggle to balance work and caregiving responsibilities, causing many to reduce work hours (27%), decline promotions (16%), or take career breaks (16%). Caregiving demands can also prohibit caregivers from attending a conference, professional development event, or similar opportunity.
The AWIS Caregiver Advancement Scholarship has a rolling application process. AWIS will make award decisions within 4 weeks of the application date.
For more information or to apply, visit https://awis.org/awis-caregiver-advancement-scholarship.
##
About AWIS: Founded in 1971, AWIS is dedicated to driving equity and excellence in STEM by championing the interests of women across all disciplines and employment sectors so they can achieve their full potential. AWIS advocacy initiatives are committed to driving systemic change to support the 12.3M women in STEM. Our supportive community provides a sense of belonging, as well as career resources, scholarships, and opportunities for networking, mentoring, volunteering, recognition, and professional development to over 7,000 members. AWIS communications inspire over 67,000 social media followers, 32,000 monthly website visitors, and 24,000 newsletter subscribers globally. To become an AWIS member, learn about partner opportunities, or donate visit www.awis.org.