Debra Austin
The cost of community college is a little bit lighter this fall for five more students at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, thanks to newly awarded $1,500 scholarships from the Southeast Valley Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW).
The scholarships are geared toward students studying to advance, change careers or re-enter the workforce.
“There’s a lot of need out there, such as single moms who are seeking education so they can better support their families,” said Beth Zdeblick, who co-chairs the Branch’s East Valley outreach with Cathy Davis. “It’s very satisfying to know AAUW can help make a difference in their lives.”
Scholarship priority is given to studies in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. Among the latest recipients’ career choices are AI and machine learning, mortuary science and nursing.
Over the summer, the Branch also sent four third graders and one fifth grader to the Arizona Science Center’s weeklong Innovation Camp, where the emphasis is on STEM learning.
“It truly brought smiles to our faces when we heard one of the youngsters wrote they particularly loved learning about force, balance, kinetics and energy,” Zdeblick said.
Through an annual spring fundraiser, Southeast Valley AAUW has been supporting scholarships for Chander-Gilbert Community College for five years, and continues to award scholarships annually to Chandler high school seniors through the Chandler Education Foundation. Two $1,000 scholarships were granted in May.
For the second year, they also are working with teachers on a weekly robotics program AAUW spearheaded for fifth and sixth graders at San Marcos Elementary School.
For more information about the Branch’s community outreach or to learn how to join, email AAUW.SEV.AZ@gmail.com.