American Association of University Women (AAUW) is a nationwide network of more than 100,000 members and donors, 1,000 branches, and 600 college/university institution partners.
For 130 years, AAUW members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day - educational, social, economic, and political. Our commitment to our mission is reflected in all aspects of our work.
AAUW's Mission
AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.
AAUW's Value Promise
By joining AAUW, you belong to a community that breaks through educational and economic barriers so that all women have a fair chance.
The fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are widely regarded as critical to the state and national economy, but women remain significantly underrepresented within these disciplines. Despite decades of progress in higher education and the workplace, gender bias in STEM fields inhibits many talented women and girls from entering STEM careers, and in the end, this keeps the United States from meeting the technical-skills demand of the future and from remaining economically competitive in the world.
"Language plays a central role in the way human beings behave and think. The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) is concerned about the critical role language plays in promoting fair treatment of women and girls, men and boys. Through careful selection of gender-fair language, NCTE members have the opportunity to influence thought and behavior both directly and indirectly. These guidelines offer suggestions for language use that will open rather than close possibilities and that speakers and writers should consider when engaged in communication activities that include:
writing papers and publications
preparing handouts and materials
designing and delivering oral presentations
speaking with students, parents, and community members
working with students
developing curriculum selecting texts and media
exploring language use in classrooms serving on local, regional, and national committees "
Despite remarkable progress along many indicators of equitable access, participation, and outcomes of schooling, there are still persistent, pervasive issues that must be addresses, including continued disparities in access to athletics and academic programs, sexual harassment, hate crimes, and discriminatory treatment of girls and women. This What Matters brief includes strategies for:
* Achieving gender equity in access and opportunities to learn
* Achieving a gender-balanced curriculum
* Achieving gender-equity in interpersonal relations with/between students
* Achieving gender-equity in discipline patterns
Through the Global Gender Gap Report series, the
World Economic Forum has been quantifying the magnitude of gender-based disparities and tracking their progress over time. By providing a comprehensive framework for benchmarking global gender gaps, the Report reveals those countries that are role models in dividing their resources equitably between women and men, regardless of the overall level of those resources. The Report is used by
numerous universities, schools, researchers, media entities, businesses, governments and individuals as a tool for their work.
Building a group of colleagues able to advance the cause, and collaborate through project development and dissemination is a goal of this site. You will find a plethora of resources for students, counselors, educators, and parents who are seeking and promoting STEM careers.
Each year, Young Women's Leadership Charter School (YWLCS), the only all-girls public school in Chicago, takes nearly 350 urban girls grade 7-12 and prepares them with the tools to graduate high school, continue through post-secondary education, and go on to lead fulfilling and productive lives. Any young woman residing in Chicago and of the right age is eligible to attend YWLCS, but admission is based on lottery. With a waiting list of more than 300 students, YWLCS students and families know their experience is unique.
What distinguishes YWLCS from other Chicago public schools?
Single-sex education provides a cooperative, supportive working environment
Emphasis on math, science, and technology
Small classroom size with teacher to student ratio of 1:12
On-site social workers and school clinic
Highly developed college preparatory program
Enrichments programs and external partnerships
Highly qualified staff and faculty