AAUW-D Educational Initiatives 2025
The net profits from the AAUW-D 2024 Book Sale and additional private donations were contributed to the following educational programs.
Initiatives at University of Michigan-Dearborn
Center for Social Justice and Inclusion
The mission and vision of the Center for Social Justice and Inclusion is to be an affirming, accessible, and inclusive space where learning and compassion is fostered through community and belonging. At the center, our work is our core values – the ideals and concepts that are integral to promoting our mission and reaching our vision. These values are student-focused approaches, equity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and accessibility.
WILL+
WILL+ is also a registered, formal student organization. The organization is directed by a faculty member, working collaboratively with elected student officers. WILL+’s governance structure is based on teamwork, with each position defining a leader and co-leader. Women’s and gender-related programming outside of the classroom and inclusive space where learning and compassion is fostered through community and belonging.
SOAR Program
The SOAR provides a wide range of Support, Opportunities, Advocacy, and Resources for adult learners with financial need pursuing their first degree.
Additional Financial Contributions were made to the following:
Henry Ford College Scholarship Department
An annual AAUW-Dearborn Scholarship was established to provide support for a student(s) of at least 21 years old in need of financial assistance to complete their Associate Degree.
The AAUW-National Leadership Fund
This fund supports attendance at The National Conference for College Student Leaders. This year’s contribution was made by our affiliate in honor of our Educational Fund Named Honoree of 2025, Judith A. Buck.
The AAUW-D Marge Powell Leadership Award
This annual financial award is presented by AAUW-D in honor of past member community leader and human right’s advocate Marge Powell . It has been awarded for 14 years. One graduating senior student is selected from each of the three Dearborn Public Schools high schools based on excellence in leadership, integrity, and community service. They receive their monetary award and certificate at our annual public ceremony and reception. Plaques from AAUW-D hang in the hallways of Dearborn High, Edsel Ford, and Fordson are inscribed annually with each new awardee’s name.
2025 Marge Powell Leadership Award Honorees
Fordson High School – Rewa Harb
Dearborn High School – Zahera Khalil
Edsel Ford High School – LolaRose Song
Alternatives for Girls (AFG)
Alternatives for Girls is a 501(c)(3) Detroit based organization. Their mission is to help girls and young women experiencing homelessness and other risks avoid violence, human trafficking, early pregnancy, and exploitation; and help them to explore and access the support, resources, and opportunities necessary to be safe, to grow strong, and to make positive choices for their lives.
ACCESS Adult and Family Learning
ACCESS Adult and Family Learning is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It offers intensive, semester-long (ESL) classes year-round for adult women who speak other languages so they can develop and improve their communication skills in English and empower them to be active members of the community. e.g. communicate with their children’s school, shop, etc.
Zaman International BOOST Program
Building Ongoing Opportunities through Skill Training” (BOOST) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that empowers women to achieve the vocational skills and training needed to pursue sustainable careers and employment opportunities.