The Village Aid Project (VAP) at Fort Lewis College is a student-centered, humanitarian organization whose mission is to partner with needy communities in the developing world to find sustainable solutions to their critical engineering problems. They are training a new generation of students who understand the need for sustainable systems and who value the concept of responsible global citizenship.
The AAUW-VAP Travel Grant of $500 is awarded each year to a student who a) reflects the AAUW mission of providing education to girls and women; and b) is assigned to work on an off-campus field project for VAP. No application is required; the VAP Director selects the recipient, who is asked to share their experience at an AAUW event sometime after returning to campus. For more information on what the Fort Lewis College Village Aid Project is all about click here VAP Information.
“The AAUW award to a Fort Lewis College Village Aid Project (VAP) recipient is a beautiful expression of promoting equity and education for women and girls. VAP – a Fort Lewis College student-centered, humanitarian organization with a mission of partnering with communities to find sustainable solutions to critical problems such as the lack of reliable potable water, sanitation, education, or other basic services; empowers women students and women community members to collaboratively work towards creating a better future through sustainable solutions.
I can think of no more important role than to support all women and in the process, to foster responsible global citizenship, by whatever means possible.”
Dr. Laurie Williams, PE
Chair and Professor, Dept. Physics and Engineering
Fort Lewis College
