AAUW's Middletown branch blazing trails for women in Middletown and beyond

Written by Yvette Kelly-Fields

When the pandemic took hold last year, a number of students found themselves without resources to meet the basic needs of food and shelter, much less tuition and books. 

Fortunately for several students, dollars from the Regionals Student Emergency Fund were there to assist them. Among the contributors to aid in meeting those needs was the American Association of University Women – Middletown branch. Their gift of $1,150 scholarship helped with tuition, books and other life necessities made a difference for two students this year. 

“Last year, we recognized the need to make our funds more flexible in use,” Chris Buchert, chapter president, shared in a recent interview about the AAUW scholarship. “We believe the education of women is important to helping them secure financial stability for themselves and their families.”

Since its inception in 1925, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) – Middletown Chapter has been fiercely dedicated to the organization’s national mission to advance gender equality for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy. It has been at the forefront of advancing women’s issues focused, particularly regarding equality in wages.

The Middletown Chapter, a national five-star rated chapter, created a scholarship fund at the Middletown Community Foundation to benefit traditional and non-traditional women pursuing a college education. 

Buchert has been a member for more than 30 years. In her current role as branch president, she and the members locally, nationally, and internationally recognize the need to support women now more than ever. 

“Women need support as they raise children. They need to be able to earn a living wage to ensure financial stability,” Buchert said, explaining the AAUW has created numerous tools and resources to help women increase their quality of life like Work Smart, an online course to teach women how to negotiate for better pay. 

The AAUW, locally and nationally, continues to be a voice and a form of support in advancing equality for all women.