The AWIS Educational Foundation was established by AWIS in 1974, with funding provided by contributions from members (most especially from then AWIS president Estelle Ramey, who contributed some of her speaking fees).

The first awards were made in April 1975 - three $500 graduate scholarships (named in honor of Evelyn Gaynor, Gertrude Perlman, and Priscilla Pollister).

The Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization, with contributions being tax deductible.

Over the past 30 years the endowment has grown with contributions from members as well as family, friends, and colleagues who establish a named award. Now about 25 fellowships are awarded annually, totaling about $15,000-20,000.

Awards are made under the aegis of three programs:

(1) the predoctoral program, for advanced students in the natural and social science;,

(2) the Kirsten R. Lorentzen award for college sophomores or juniors studying physics or geoscience; and

(3) the college program for high school seniors planning on majoring in natural science in college.

Occasionally other educational grants are made, such as one to AWIS to create an archive of all past issues of AWIS Magazine on the AWIS website.

Click here for a list of the 2007 awardees.

Click the logo below for details and application materials for AWIS Educational Foundation awards.

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