In keeping with our organization's emphasis on education, Port Townsend AAUW sponsors several programs to further educational achievement and opportunities locally.

Phonics Tutoring
Port Townsend AAUW and Chimicum Creek Primary School are partners in the Kindergarten Phonics Project. AAUW volunteers work under the direction of classroom teachers and use the school's licensed program Phonogram, published by Read America, Inc. Our volunteers work on basic reading skills with groups of three to five students for 20-minute sessions, one or two days per week. In 2006/2007, the program's first year, the Phonics Project helped Chimicum Creek kindergartners master reading and spelling skills far beyond previous classes, exceeding everyone’s expectations. The Phonics Project continues in 2007/2008.

Scholarships Program
Each year we are pleased to offer a scholarship for a full year's tuition at a college or university up to $5,000 for a qualified East Jefferson County woman. In addition, three $1500 scholarships are given to specially selected high school seniors from Port Townsend, Chimacum and Quilcene schools. These scholarships are funded in part by the University Women's Foundation, our branch's non-profit philanthropic arm.

Scholars Recognition Project
This project recognizes female high school students who excel in mathematics, science and technology, with the goal of encouraging girls to pursue education and careers in those fields. Students recognized in 2007:

Chimacum High School: Robin VanDyke, Lani Peterson, Taea Colton
Port Townsend High School: Libby Strickland, Maria Clow, Alex Clement
Quilcene High School: Cassandra Johnson, Tanya Orton

Career Day
Each spring, Port Townsend AAUW sponsors a Career Day for eighth-grade students in Port Townsend, Chimacum and Quilcene. The middle school students have a chance to interact with local professionals and learn about careers which may interest them. Sometimes such contacts help give students a direction, and may inspire them to continue their education.

Backpacks
The Kindergarten Backpack Project provides hands-on manipulatives, books, and other materials for children in all four kindergarten classes at Grant St. Elementary School to use at home. These materials reinforce important skills in reading/language arts, math, and writing.

Support for Higher Education
Port Townsend AAUW was instrumental in the establishment of the Jefferson Education Center which coordinates distance learning for college students. We also support the mission of the Jefferson Education Center and WSU to bring other higher education opportunities to our area.