Soroptimist's Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women assist women who provide the primary financial support for their families. Live Your Dream Awards give women the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects.
What We Do
Every year, Soroptimist distributes more than $2 million in education grants to about 1,500 women all over the world. SI of the TriCities alone has given out over $100,000 in educational grants over the past 15 years.
Over half of our Live Your Dream Awards recipients are survivors of domestic violence, trafficking or sexual assault. Nearly all of the women and families we serve have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, teen pregnancy, and drug or alcohol addiction. Live Your Dream Awards recipients may use the cash award to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, such as books, childcare, tuition and transportation.
Every year, our club participates in this program and honours women in our community making the commitment to further education.
Eligibility
You are eligible to apply for the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards if you:
- Provide the primary financial support for yourself and your dependents. Dependents can include children, spouse, partner, siblings and/or parents;
- Have financial need;
- Are enrolled in/have been accepted to a vocational/skills training or undergraduate degree program;
- Are motivated to achieve your education and career goals;
- Have not previously been the recipient of a Live Your Dream Awards (formerly called the Women’s Opportunity Award);
- Are not a Soroptimist member, an employee of Soroptimist International of the Americas or immediate family of either;
- Do not have a graduate degree.
- Submit 2 references with your application.
Application is through Soroptimist of the Americas' online portal. Click here to access it.
Our Other Awards
Soroptimist International of the TriCities also offers these awards that support women and teen girls achieving their dreams.
Give Her Wings Award
Unique to SI of the TriCities, this financial award is similar to the Live Your Dream Award in helping women return to school to further their education, except applicants are not expected to have dependents.
Application Form Reference Form
Apply by January 15th each year.
Bea Kelly Teen Volunteer Award
This grant acknowledges young women in grade 12 who demonstrate that they make a difference in their community or school. The winner receives a bursary to help offset some of the costs of her post-secondary education.
Apply by January 15th each year.
Ruby Award
This award recognizes women who are making an extraordinary difference in the lives of women and girls locally or internationally, either through efforts in their volunteer, personal, or professional life.
Apply by January 15th each year.
Why We Do It
Education is the pathway to economically empowering women and girls.
When Women Learn
families live healthier lives
(Source: Population Reference Bureau)
When Girls Go to School
they are more likely to get paying jobs and their financial contributions to their families—and their nations—increase
(Source: Population Reference Bureau)
When Girls Have Educated Moms
they are more likely to be enrolled in school and to reach higher levels of education
(Source: Population Reference Bureau)
When Women are Educated
their countries are more likely to have greater economic growth
(Source: World Bank)
Lucia.
It took tremendous strength to overcome the physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her partner so that Lucia could see herself as a person worthy of success and happiness. After earning her GED, Lucia is now studying to become a special education assistant, with the eventual goal of becoming a teacher.
"I have now gained the confidence and hope to dream again. I am ready to put on my wings. I feel I have finally earned them."
Our Impact
Since 1972, Soroptimist International of the Americas has distributed more than $30 million in education grants to 30,000 women making a better life for themselves and their families.
We invest in women's education because it transforms lives and communities. The Live Your Dream Awards has been recognized for its effectiveness and long-term impact.