RSU Receives American Association of University Women Grant

The Rogers State University Student Affairs office recently received a $5,000 grant from the American Association of University Women.

The grant will be used to organize and promote a series of programs titled “What Are You Worth?” The programs will focus on higher education as the gateway to women’s economic security, said Kellie A. Schulze, RSU director of career services.

Programs will begin Feb. 5 on the Claremore campus with a Fair Market Bake Sale, where women will be charged less for goods because they typically earn less money than men.

On average a woman earn 75 cents for every dollar a man earns, according to the AAUW.

“The series of grant-funded programs will inform and empower local high school and university women about their true worth, by increasing their awareness of pay equity issues,” said Dr. Kathy Hoppe, RSU director of student development.

The educational programs will include a meeting with Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor, a trip to the Oklahoma Legislature, a “What Are You Worth?” poster contest and a career fair on April 24, where women can learn about nontraditional careers. All activities are open to all university students and local high school junior and seniors.

Schulze and Hoppe authored the grant with Misty Smith, an RSU counselor. They also will supervise the project with a team of RSU students including Shakendra Leathers, Karla Young, Stephanie Wayne, Bree Bedsworth, Mackenzie Chesbro and Emma Mutinda.

For more information please contact Kellie A. Schulze or Kathy Hoppe in the RSU Student Affairs office at 343-7579.