The Santa Clarita Branch of AAUW Turns 50!
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is the nation’s leading voice promoting equity and education for women and girls. The Santa Clarita Valley branch turns 50 this year, and will hold a luncheon celebration at the Hyatt Regency Valencia on May 19.
The Santa Clarita branch was established by 40 vibrant women almost 20 years earlier than the founding of our city, in 1968. Our world was a bit different then. Just imagine, 1968 was before cell phones, Sesame Street, and the Apollo 11 moon landing. It was before landmark legislation passed that positively impacts our lives today. Do women today struggle against being told they cannot be a doctor or engineer or take a shop class? Can anyone imagine not being allowed at least six weeks off from work to have a baby? In 1968 these experiences were common. Title IX of the Education Amendment, which prohibits discrimination in educational programs on the basis of sex, was passed in 1972. The Pregnancy Disability Act, which prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy and allowed women time off for childbirth and recovery, was passed in 1978. These pieces of landmark legislation were supported by AAUW.
The Santa Clarita branch of AAUW has contributed to national as well as community efforts over the years, including
• Partnering with the College of the Canyons (COC) to initiate the Women’s Conference, College Night, and Career Day
• Contributing to the establishment of the local Food Pantry
• Nurturing the docent program at the Placerita Nature Center
Today, the SCV branch has three local community focuses:
• For 20 years, we have been sending seventh grade girls to week-long Tech Trek math/science camps. Held on California college campuses, the camps provide hands-on learning designed to help young women find their passions in STEM subjects. The AAUW SCV branch raises funds all year long to send girls to this free camp. Since 1998,175 girls have been sponsored by the SCV branch.
• Scholarships are awarded each year to deserving women attending the College of the Canyons, including two for Humanities majors, a Book Scholarship, a MESA Women in STEM award, and a legacy award, the Dorinda Barnes Scholarship. The difference that these awards make for the students is heartwarming to hear.
• Many students in SCV will recall Women in History week at their schools. This annual AAUW program travels to schools throughout the SCV from March to June to share personal dramatizations of influential women in history.
Want to learn more? Membership in AAUW is open to women and men. For more information, to contribute funds to these worthwhile efforts, or to attend the 50th anniversary celebration, please visit santaclaritavalley-ca.aauw.net or contact steinwendt@aol.com.
ADVERTISE WITH US
SSI and SSDI in California Similar Names but Very Different – The McNamara Law Firm
I often discuss the benefits of Special Needs Trusts with clients who have a disabled child. The disabled child usually receives “needs based” government benefits based on their disability and lack of income/resources, and those benefits should be protected in the...
Navigating Elder Law: Essential Inquiries for Seniors and Families – Law Office of Sean D. Ethington
As the demographic landscape continues to shift towards an aging population, the importance of seeking guidance from an elder law attorney becomes increasingly vital. Elder law, a specialized branch of legal practice, addresses a spectrum of issues that directly...
Honoring Moms And Their Families – Thompson Von Tungeln
Happy Mother’s Day! As a mom and a daughter, Mother’s Day has always had a special place in my heart as a wonderful opportunity to express our appreciation for everything moms do and to spend time with the people we love.Not surprisingly, moms are quite often the more...
ABOUT THE MAGAZINE
Santa Clarita Magazine has set a high standard for excellence in advertising for over 34 years. A family owned and operated business, Santa Clarita Magazine has grown with the Santa Clarita Valley since 1990 and become the #1 place to advertise locally.
FOLLOW US
SANTA CLARITA MAGAZINE
PO Box 801570
Valencia Ca 91380
For Advertising information
Call or Text: 1 (661) 294-4444