The Women of Promise & Courage scholarships were originally established by the Abilene Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). AAUW has been empowering women as individuals and as a community since 1881. In 2023, the Abilene Women of Outstanding Achievement organization was founded to continue the work of the Abilene AAUW Chapter in our community. The Women of Achievement Award aims to recognize and honor women of diverse cultures, roles, and accomplishments who have demonstrated commitment to the betterment of the Abilene region through significant voluntary contributions. 

Women of Promise & Courage Scholarships are available to women returning to higher education after some period of time in which their formal education was interrupted or pursuing a graduate/post-graduate degree. Women currently enrolled in Associate, Bachelor's, or Post-Graduate degrees at a university, community college, or an accredited online degree program can apply for these scholarships. Residence in Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Coke, Eastland, Fisher, Haskell, Jones, Kent, Knox, Mitchell, Nolan, Runnels, Scurry, Shackelford, Stephens, Stonewall, Taylor, and Throckmorton counties may apply for these scholarships.