If You're a Student and Want to Attend...

Meet Women of Distinction at the Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony and reception.

You will be inspired by keynote speakers Pamela Stone and Caryn G. Mathes.

You will gain information and develop skills by attending workshops in the areas of advocacy, leadership, health and wellness, and the real world.

You will make friends and contacts from across the country by networking with other attendees. You'll return to your community secure in the knowledge that you have a network of colleagues to support your leadership endeavors and your career growth.

College women leaders have been attending this leadership conference each summer for many years. How did they find the time, money, and other resources to attend the conference? Here are some tips gathered from participants over the years.

You want to go, but you can't afford it?

Though very reasonably priced, the conference still costs money. There is the registration fee, as well as transportation costs and money for incidentals and some meals that are not included in the registration.

• Ask! If you don't ask, you'll never know.
• Be prepared with a clear request. Write your detailed funding needs down before you make your request of your dean, director, or student organization or your family.
• The conference is an educational experience, so some of the expenses should be yours. When you ask for money from an organization, be sure to indicate how much of your own money you are willing and able to spend.
• Start early. Many institutions and groups are on a fiscal year that ends in June, so get to them before the money is gone.
• Make an appointment with your campus' president, dean, or director to make a funding request. Your request may lay the groundwork for funding for women students in the future.
• Approach your student government, student leadership office, multicultural affairs department, or women's center to explore funding. They may be willing to sponsor you.
• Contact your local AAUW state or branch or other local organizations. They may be willing to contribute financially or find sources you can tap. Some also offer scholarships for local women.
• If one group or department can't give you the entire amount you need, check with another. You may get some funding from one organization and additional funding from another.
• Be sure to send thank you notes to your supporters after the conference or even better, send a postcard from Washington, D.C.

Scholarship Opportunities

The scholarship deadline has passed and awardees have been notified.