The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) is a non-profit organization that was established in 1971. The focus of this organization is to work toward the improvement of educational and employment opportunities, as well as achieving equity and full participation for women in all fields of math and science. In addition to the national organization, there are 76 local chapters encompassing over 5,000 members throughout the United States.

The AWIS - Gulf Coast-Houston chapter is composed of approximately 160 members. The mission statement of this chapter is "Promoting opportunities for women to enter the sciences and to achieve their career goals." The chapter works toward their goals by encouraging the enrollment and participation of girls and women in all levels of math and science education, promoting the achievements of individual women scientists, supporting laws and programs with the goal of increasing the number of women in all fields of science, and by creating links among present and future women scientists.

From 1991-1993 the AWIS-GCH established a local mentoring program that was funded by the Sloan Foundation. This program linked undergraduate students with graduate students, graduate and post-doctoral student with each other, as well as with established women scientists. There was also the Shadow Program, which allowed undergraduate students to spend a day with established women scientists. Also in 1993, the chapter Co-Sponsored the UHWSP conference, The Women's Health Challenge: Take the Initiative!, which addressed social and political issues that affect women's health and health policies.