Making an Impact
For almost 50 years, AWIS has provided scholarships, programs, and advocacy to help advance women in science. Below are some recent initiatives.
Helping more scientists #DiscoverWhatsNext
AWIS will celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2021. Tremendous progress has been made, but there is still work to do! We will continue to advocate for safe and welcoming workplaces with equitable hiring, pay and advancement. We appreciate the engagement of our members, chapter leaders, board members, volunteers, partners, and donors whose support makes all the difference. THANK YOU!
More Scholarships
AWIS has awarded over 30 scholarships in the last decade. To help retain and advance more women in science and STEM, AWIS established the Distinguished Doctoral Research Scholarship which is intended for an AWIS member whose research is likely to make significant contributions to her field. In addition, the new Scholarships for Career Re-entry will assist AWIS members looking to return to science after being out of the workforce for two years. Read more.
More Career Resources
Chapters across the nation offered mentoring circles and virtual networking opportunities. The AWIS Career Center has expanded and now offers thousands of jobs as well as a new complimentary resume review service. The first AWIS Virtual Career Fair was held in August with over 700 registrants. Jobseekers participated in 400 one-on-one chats with employers seeking diverse talent. Save the date for our next virtual career fair which will be February 11, 2021.
Powerful New Programs
AWIS launched a new What’s Next webinar series hosting timely conversations with engaging thought leaders such as New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict, MacArthur fellow Dr. Polina Lishko, and the founder of Black Girls Do STEM, Cynthia Chapple. Anyone is welcome to attend these programs for a small fee. These programs are free for AWIS members as a member benefit.
Antiracism Advocacy
AWIS signed an open letter standing against racial injustice and curated antiracism resources to help allies unlearn biases. We also signed onto a letter with other science societies calling for NASEM to undertake a study to acknowledge and assess systemic racism in academia, and we opposed the executive order which restricted diversity trainings that include concepts of unconscious bias and white privilege.
Addressing Bias and Harassment
While 50% of STEM degrees are awarded to women, only 28% of STEM occupations are held by women. This discrepancy is partly due to a unwelcoming and even hostile environments. AWIS hosted a conversation on harassment and bias with Dr. Jane Willenbring and Ian Cheney following a private screening of the documentary Picture a Scientist. AWIS is also an inaugural member and active participant in the Societies Consortium committed to addressing issues of sexual harassment and bias in STEM.
Advancing Gender Equity
AWIS participated in the 5th annual International Day for Women and Girls in Science at the United Nations. Many of our 50+ chapters around the country supported science fairs and other K-12 outreach. AWIS will continue to fight for equity in the workplace until women are hired, compensated, and advanced without bias.
