Founded by prominent Kansas City women in 1893, the Kansas City Branch of AAUW has mirrored society’s changes. Among our long-standing projects is the Hundred High School Girls, started in 1931, which recognizes and provides scholarships to senior girls graduating from local Kansas City schools; the Thorpe Menn Literary Excellence Award, for almost four centuries, awards and recognizes authors in the Kansas City area; the Wagy grants, which has for more than 15 years, awarded grants to local non-profit organizations for their programs for women and girls; and the Reentry Woman of the Year, started in 1987, provides scholarships to women who are returning to college after a five-year absence.  The Kansas City Branch is frequently recognized by AAUW National for their giving and participation.