The ever-increasing student debt burden, rising cost of higher education, and ongoing need for education funding is an alarming reality of our times.  Women still earn less than men and may have more difficulty paying off  student debt.

AAUW’s educational funding for women remains an important element to closing the funding gap for women in higher education.  AAUW Big Bear Valley annually awards scholarships for selected senior girls from Big Bear High School.

In early spring, the Scholarships Committee begins reviewing applications from the girls and reviewing their selection process.  The emphasis in selecting the applicants is in the girls interest in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

From the applications, the Committee selects girls to interview after which they discuss applicant qualifications.  At the annual Big Bear High School Scholarship Program, held at the Performing Arts Center in Hofert Hall in June, AAUW and other community organization scholarships are awarded.