The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Legal Advocacy Fund has selected the Charter Oak State College Women in Transition (WIT) program for the 2007 Progress In Equity Award acknowledging the program’s work in advancing educational opportunities for women in a critically underserved population.

The WIT program provides opportunity for low-income, underemployed single mothers to earn their college degrees through online courses while working and caring for their children. WIT participants have become strong, empowered individuals and role models for their children. The AAUW award of $5000 will be used by Charter Oak to fund the technology needs of the program’s students.

Charter Oak president, Merle W. Harris, commenting on the award, said the College was pleased that its unique WIT program has been able to help low-income, single mothers earn a college degree and achieve self sufficiency. “We are honored and proud to have received this recognition from AAUW,” she said.

The program, now in its eighth year, was initially funded by grants from corporations and foundations, including the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. “The positive, long-term impact of this program on participating women and their children has been tremendous, and we are pleased to be associated with such a valuable community resource,” said Linda J. Kelly, president of the Hartford Foundation.

The AAUW awards presentation, honoring the WIT program, will be held this Monday, November 19, at 5 p.m. at Founders’ Hall on the campus of nearby Central Connecticut State University. Lauren Kamnik, Director of the AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund, will present the award. Members of the press and public are invited to attend.

For more information, please contact:  Chuck Albert, Charter Oak State College, 832-3860; calbert@charteroak.edu