AAUW-Half Moon Bay

Since 1967 AAUW Half Moon Bay, a branch of American Association of University Women, has been dedicated to advancing gender equity for women and girls.  Our fundraising has helped level the playing field for them in their education, careers and communities. When women and girls learn without obstacles, entire communities thrive.

American Association of University Women, founded in 1881 has been breaking down barriers for women in education, in the workplace, and in our communities - locally, nationally and globally.  AAUW is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with over 170,000 members, 1,000 local branches and 800 college and university partners.

Our commitment to this mission is evidenced by:

• Granting annual scholarships to women who have graduated from local public high schools and are entering their third or fourth year of college or studying at the graduate level at an accredited college or university. Our scholarships have changed the lives of local women for over 50 years. 
• Mentoring our scholarship winners.  Volunteers, who are professionals in the areas of study our scholarship winners are pursuing, provide guidance and expertise to support them.  In addition, the mentors also assist with resume building and interviewing skills.
• Providing scholarships to middle school girls to attend Tech Trek, a weeklong residential STEM Camp.  We have sent over 115 girls to Tech Trek since its inception in 1998.
• Buying materials to sew & donate sustainable hygiene kits for Days for Girls.  DFG is a non-profit organization that promotes access to menstrual care and education thus helping girls and women to manage their periods and contine to engage in livelihood activities (e.g. education, work) and retain dignity. In 2026, we sent these kits to Peru and Sri Lanka.
• Supporting national efforts to empower women and girls to achieve true equity. We empower women and girls by championing their success in higher education and pushing for policy solutions to create lasting change.

Testimonials

DAYS FOR GIRLS PROGRAM:  In December of 2024, I had the opportunity to work with Kantaya, an NGO in Peru that supports after school programs for disadvantaged students, and provide an educational presentation and DFG kits to a group of their girls.  I will once again travel there in March 2026 to present the educational session and 80 DFG kits.  Kantaya is very grateful to our DFG group for providing this opportunity and resources to their students. Lucina H-AAUW member and a DFG participant

Scholarship & Mentoring Programs:  "The AAUW scholarship has had a profound impact on my academic and professional journey. Beyond financial assistance, this scholarship has allowed me to expand my network, and achieve some of my professional goals. Through the mentorship program, I’ve gained guidance in academic writing, connected with professionals in my field, and even secured an internship abroad—an experience I once only dreamed of. Most importantly, I was connected with a supportive community of women whom I can not only call my mentors but now my friends." 2024 Scholarship recipient and current Mentee

"Before Tech Trek I always felt a little different from the girls at my school; I would always get teased for caring so much about school, or being a teacher’s pet. But now, after Tech Trek, I realized that Yes! I am different! I am amazing and smart and bright! I now realize that being different isn’t a bad thing, but something to be proud of. Every single girl out there deserves to feel like they belong, and that they can go anywhere they want in STEM.  Now I can’t wait for my future and all of the amazing things that will come with it. And it all started with you, the Half Moon Bay AAUW Branch".  2023 Tech Trek camper

"The scholarship has helped me tremendously by paying for my Fall semester tuition, expensive textbooks, nursing school supplies, and vaccine requirements for school. In addition, the scholarship helped my mental health by allowing me to focus on school and extracurricular activities that will strengthen the skills I need as a future nurse.  I am so thankful for the Half Moon Bay branch of AAUW's support." 2023 Scholarship recipient and current mentee

"The Days for Girls’ global organization opened my eyes to the harsh reality of period equity and menstrual health for women and girls around the world.  I was introduced to these sustainable kits in January 2020, and have been creating them with 15-18 other AAUW volunteers in Half Moon Bay.  Each drawstring bag kit includes:  cotton liners, panties, wash cloth, and soap for girls to use multiple times. These washable kits keep girls in school and give them hope and dignity for a brighter future.  

I am very pleased to help girls stay in school through the Days for Girls’ project.  I believe that an educated girl can break the cycle of poverty and, hopefully, follow her dreams, maybe one kit at a time." Days for Girls' Co-Organizer 2024