The American Dissertation Fellowship is a program offered by the American Association of University Women, aimed at supporting women in their final year of dissertation writing. This fellowship is open to women across all fields of study, with a particular emphasis on those engaged in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as well as those researching gender issues. The fellowship is part of AAUW's broader commitment to funding women's education and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in academia. Established in 1888, the American Fellowship Program is recognized as the oldest non-institutional source of graduate funding for women in the United States.

The primary purpose of the American Dissertation Fellowship is to alleviate the financial burden faced by women scholars during the critical final stages of their doctoral studies. By providing a stipend of $25,000, the fellowship aims to support women who are completing their first doctoral degree and are enrolled in accredited institutions. The program not only assists in funding but also seeks to enhance the representation of women in academia, particularly in fields where they have been historically underrepresented.

Funding from the fellowship is intended to cover expenses related to dissertation writing during the grant period, which runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The fellowship is designed to support women who have completed all necessary coursework and preliminary exams, and who have an approved research proposal. The financial support is crucial for enabling these scholars to focus on their research and writing without the distraction of financial concerns.

Eligibility for the fellowship is specifically tailored to women who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must be in the process of completing their first doctoral degree and must be enrolled at an institution accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. While all fields of study are welcome, preference is given to those in STEM fields or those researching gender issues. Additionally, applicants who have faced significant life challenges, such as socioeconomic disadvantages or discrimination, are encouraged to apply. The fellowship also prioritizes applicants who are first-generation college graduates or those from single-parent households, as well as those studying in specific states.

Submission requirements for the fellowship include a completed application form, which must be submitted by the deadline of November 15, 2024. The application process may involve answering specific questions related to the applicant's research, background, and the challenges they have faced. It is important for applicants to provide detailed and accurate information to support their candidacy.

Evaluation criteria for the fellowship will focus on the applicant's academic achievements, the significance of their research, and their personal narrative regarding resilience and overcoming challenges. The selection committee will assess how well the applicant's work aligns with the fellowship's goals of promoting diversity and inclusion in academia.

In summary, the American Dissertation Fellowship offers a significant opportunity for women pursuing their doctoral degrees, particularly in STEM fields or gender studies. With a generous stipend and a focus on supporting underrepresented scholars, this fellowship aims to foster a more equitable academic environment. Interested applicants should prepare their materials in advance of the November 15, 2024 deadline to ensure they meet all requirements and can present a compelling case for their candidacy. For further details, applicants can visit the AAUW website or contact the organization directly.