Patricia Thompson
NYS Educational Equity Director

Transitions is a model one-day conference that draws on findings from Gaining a Foothold: Women's Transitions Through Work and College (1999), the AAUW Education Foundation Report about women who have a dual agenda in returning to school for career, income and personal enrichment. There are three distinct features to the program:

• school to work
• school to college
• work to college

Transitions is designed to help working women in your community who are considering a return to school. The conference, cosponsored by a branch and a local university, will provide information and support on financial aid, study skills, and issues related to balancing school, work, and family. There are additional resources, including a Transitions Conference Guide Sample Brochure and the Transitions Conference 2001 Press Release.

Offering a Transitions workshop is an opportunity for College/University Reps, Education & Equity, Membership and Program to work as a team in conjunction with a community liaison and corporate sponsors. Colleges are looking for non-traditional students; young mothers desire to finish their education; people are looking to change careers; retirees are exploring new horizons.

A "Transitions 2000 Symposium Planning Package," prepared by the AAUW Naples, Florida Branch, is available. Request your copy from Janet Forbes, AAUW NYS Educational Equity Director.

Transitions is part of AAUW's Education and Equity: Choices for a Changing World, a portfolio of projects about the new century's many opportunities for women and girls in work, education, and community and the circumstances affecting their decisions. The projects are designed to help AAUW branches prepare women and girls and the institutions that serve them for the challenges ahead.