Devoted to promoting equality of opportunity and treatment of women on the college campus, the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Oakland Branch was formed in 1938. The national organization began as the Association of Collegiate Alumnae (ACA) in Boston in 1882. In 1889 a Detroit Branch was founded the first in Michigan-followed in 1902 by the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Branch. In 1921 the ACA became the AAUW. Since its inception, the AAUW has been an advocate of open access to post-secondary education, non-discriminatory student financial aid, federal aid to higher education, and the elimination of sex bias on campus. AAUW established its fellowships program in 1888, which became the AAUW Educational Foundation in 1958. When the Oakland Branch was formed on March 21, 1938, a four-fold purpose was set up: 1) Offer members a do-it-yourself form of continuing education with work at the graduate level; 2) Become an informed group in the community and serve as a resource; 3) Identify social problems, explore them and work toward solutions; and 4) Work with the Association to open educational and professional opportunities.
From the description of American Association of University Women. Oakland Branch records, 1939-2002 (Detroit Public Library). WorldCat record id: 657328612
