ST. LOUIS — WGU Missouri graduate student Carolyn Moore, of St. Louis City, was recently awarded a Career Development Grant by the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Moore was one of 63 recipients across the country to receive the grant, which highlights the achievements of women throughout the nation who are making a difference in their local communities. AAUW is one of the world’s leading supporters of graduate women’s education. It – has awarded more than $115 million in fellowships, grants and awards to 13,000 women from more than 145 countries since 1888.

Moore is pursuing a master’s degree in management and leadership at WGU Missouri. She is a 28-year veteran and captain of the St. Louis Fire Department, where she is the only African-American female Commissioned Officer. One of Moore’s goals is to implement a mentoring program for young girls aspiring to enter Public Safety Careers, such as firefighting.

“With my vast work experience in the public sector and the knowledge I achieve in the master’s program at WGU, I feel certain that I can establish programs to foster talent, build confidence, and give girls the necessary tools to be successful,” Moore said. “The AAUW grant is a great honor and blessing to me. I am one step closer to achieving my goals because of AAUW and Western Governors University.”

AAUW’s Career Development Grants program aims to tackle barriers women face in education and provide funding to help female students who hold a bachelor’s degree continue their education and research. Applications open August 1 of each year and close in mid-November. Primary consideration is given to women of color and women pursuing their first advanced degree or credentials in nontraditional fields.

For the 2018-19 academic year, AAUW awarded a total of $3.9 million through six fellowships and grants programs to 250 scholars, research projects and programs promoting education and equity for women and girls. 

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) empowers women and girls through research, education, and advocacy. The nonpartisan, nonprofit organization has more than 170,000 members and supporters across the United States, as well as 1,000 local branches and more than 800 college and university members. Since AAUW’s founding in 1881, members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political. AAUW’s fellowships and grants have helped scholars and activists overcome barriers to education and advancement for 130 years. Learn more at www.aauw.org.