About AAUW

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) was founded in 1882 so that women college graduates, by working together, might open doors in education then closed to women and widen opportunities for college women to use their training. AAUW has sought to “develop a program to enable college women to continue their intellectual growth, to further the advancement of women, and to discharge the special responsibilities to society of those who have enjoyed the advantages of higher education.”

Membership in the AAUW is open to any women applicant who holds a two-year associate’s degree or higher degree from an accredited college or university.

Washington, D.C. Branch

The Washington, D.C., branch was recognized as the Association’s first branch in October 25, 1884. It was founded by ten young women, none of whom was more than six years out of college. In the first year, three study groups were active: political science, Latin sight reading, and living English writers. The first major project, in 1886, was an intensive study by all the members on “Occupations for Women.” Throughout the years, there have been other studies as well as active participation by members on women in civil service positions, and the economic and legal status of women and on the status of women as educators.