AAUW is a nationwide network of more than 100,000 members and donors, and 500 college/university institution partners. For 135 years, AAUW members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day: economic, political, social, and educational. Our commitment to our mission is reflected in all aspects of our work.  Find out more about AAUW here: About AAUW – AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881

AAUW Bridgeport is a member of the American Association of University Women.  The Branch joined AAUW in 1931, changing its name from The College Club of Bridgeport, a progressive group founded in 1916 by seven forward thinking women who challenged the prevailing attitude that girls receive much better training for life right in their own home.

AAUW Bridgeport’s mission is to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. Although the primary focus is to help women achieve economic security through higher education, the Branch continues to advocate for the larger Bridgeport community through its programs and volunteer activities.  

• Education funding and lifelong learning opportunities for women.
• Student and community initiatives such as financial literacy workshops and early childhood reading programs.
• Public policy advocacy (as a 501c4).
• Leveling the playing field for girls and women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
• Member leadership development.

With over 90 years under its belt, the Branch is very proud of its work and contributions to date.  To name just a few: 

• Over our long history, the organization has provided over $500,000 in financial assistance to women undergraduates and graduates through grants, scholarships and no-interest loans.
• The branch has a broad and deep commitment to community volunteering. For instance:
  • In the early 1960’s, its members co-founded and led an organization called Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU). YOU evolved into YOURS (Youth Opportunities Unlimited Revised Services) which transformed into the School Volunteer Association of Bridgeport (SVAB). In 1966, AAUW Bridgeport assumed leadership of the SVAB from the Junior League and was the driving force to expand this program which today continues to organize volunteer readers, tutors, mentors, and programs for students.  
• AAUW Bridgeport has hosted and sponsored countless community programs and events focusing on education, social and cultural issues. For instance:
  • In 1975, the Branch sponsored a symposium “The Right to Privacy vs. The Need to Know” at Sacred Heart. This day-long program focused on people’s rights to privacy with respect to medical, educational, business and credit records, and responded to concerns being raised through legislation at the State and Federal Levels. 
  • Also, in the early 70’s, AAUW Connecticut was awarded a national AUW Public Service Grant to implement Project Re-Entry, offering individual counseling and guidance to adults seeking opportunities in higher education or the work force. Under this grant, pilot resource centers were established in Bridgeport and Naugatuck.  Partnering with the Bridgeport library, the Branch held extensive counseling sessions. “Opportunities and Options for Today’s Woman” offered its services free to all Bridgeport area women.
  • In the late 80’s, the Branch assumed a leadership role in raising awareness of the economic, educational and social impact of teen pregnancy on the future of young women. This effort evolved into the Greater Bridgeport Coalition for Choice.   
• Today AAUW Bridgeport members continue to volunteer with other local organizations, often in leadership positions, including, but not limited to, the Bridgeport League of Women Voters, Family Center for Justice and the Wilbur Cross read-aloud program.

The branch is run as a non-profit 501 (c)(4) organization and promotes social welfare causes. Operations are conducted and administered through by-laws. There are both elected and appointed officers. The branch is self-funded with dues and donations. A portion of the annual dues are tax deductible.