Since it was founded in 1915 by Jane Mears the Anchorage Woman’s Club has supported literacy in Alaska The club raised money to build the first school house in Anchorage, the Pioneer School House. Today the Anchorage Woman’s Club offers many programs to enhance and build literacy in our community. They provide money to the Adult Literacy partnership program, award scholarships to students in local high schools, and offer New Beginnings Scholarships to provide a second chance for individuals seeking training, from beauty schools to computer education. They also make available First Lady Scholarships which provide scholarships to students across the state. As part of the Woman’s Club National goal of providing twelve million dollars for the purchase of books and multi-media material to local schools, the Anchorage chapter has purchased over $8,000 worth of material for the Anchorage School District since 1998. It was instrumental in saving and preserving the original Pioneer School House. Every year, during the month of April, the club staffs the Pioneer School House with personnel and invite students in the Anchorage School District to experience what school was like in 1915 Anchorage.
GFWC Education Department
As early as 1894, club projects expanded educational opportunities for women and their communities. Clubwomen supported legislation to improve school conditions and to create compulsory attendance laws and, in 1904, helped to establish the U.S. Department of Education. GFWC is credited (by the American Library Association) with establishing 75% of the public libraries in the U.S. and developing kindergartens in public schools. Historically, GFWC has actively campaigned against adult illiteracy, and GFWC clubs have provided educational scholarships for women.
During the 2004-2006 administration, the “Be Cool After School” program educates members and others about the value of and need for quality after-school programs, and encourages support for after-school initiatives. “Education for Life” encourages a commitment to lifelong learning and self-improvement through reading by sponsoring Epsilon Sigma Omicron (ESO) chapters. Additional outreach programs include support for returning students and continuing GFWC’s traditional support of public libraries. Many GFWC clubs demonstrate their commitment to education by providing scholarships to worthy students.
Anchorage Woman's Club is a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC)
Anchorage Woman's Club
