Each branch unites alumnae of AAUW-approved colleges and universities to concentrate and increase their influence in the community for the solution of social and civic problems, to participate in the development and promotion of the AAUW, to contribute to its growth and influence, and to cooperate in its state and regional work.  For more detail about the Falls Church Area Branch, check our Member Handbook.

Though small in size, the Falls Church branch consistently ranks high in Virginia for fundraising for scholarships and fellowships, all accomplished through our annual used book sale. We have a long-standing reputation as one of the highest per capita fundraisers. We take our scholarship mission very seriously. AAUW of Falls Church Area has established an International Foundation of $100,000 through its book sales. During 2010, AAUW of FC established a new Career Development program with a goal of $70,000. Also, each year the branch awards scholarships to local high school students entering post-secondary education.

In addition, our branch funds Special Project grants to support education for women and girls from our local community. These efforts have included:

• We were the lead Northern Virginia AAUW branch to partner with George Mason University to establish an AAUW student branch to reach out to more women students and faculty.
• We supported the efforts of Homestretch, which serves needy families with children under the age of 18, to attain permanent housing and self-sufficiency by giving them the skills, knowledge and hope they need to become productive participants in the community.
• We supported Aurora House, a residential counseling center for girls ages 13 to 17, certified by the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice. Aurora House offers long-term community based treatment for a group of up to 12 girls. Aurora House provides the nurturing, structure, and support necessary to help court-involved adolescents through the difficulties that they experience. Aurora House also gives girls and their families the opportunity to make positive changes toward a brighter future.
• We supported college field trips for local high school students who would be the first in their family to attend higher education and also funded Latina students to attend workshops on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers.