Live Your Dream Awards

Scholarship Sponsored by Soroptimist

Empowering women to empower other women

Established in 1921 in Oakland, California, Soroptimist was born during a period when women were barred from joining service groups. The name Soroptimist, derived from Latin, signifies 'best for women'. Presently, we boast a network of over 25,000 members and advocates spread across North America, Latin America, and the Pacific Rim. We are part of the five federations that constitute Soroptimist International, which has a presence in over 120 countries worldwide.

The Live Your Dream Awards program provides three tiers of cash prizes. Eligible candidates can apply between August 1 and November 15. A finalist of the Live Your Dream Awards could potentially receive up to $16,000. This financial aid can be used to cover tuition fees, buy books, arrange transportation, or secure reliable childcare, enabling the recipient to concentrate on her educational aspirations rather than worry about her expenses.

Before proceeding, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. You can apply if you are a woman who:

• Is the primary breadwinner for yourself and your dependents, which could include children, spouse, partner, siblings, and/or parents.
• Is in financial need.
• Is enrolled in or has been accepted into a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program.
• Is driven to achieve your educational and career objectives.
• Lives in one of the member countries/territories of Soroptimist International of the Americas (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Guam, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Northern Mariana Islands, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Taiwan, USA, Venezuela).
• Has not previously received a Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity or Live Your Dream Award.
• Does not hold a graduate degree and is not currently pursuing one.
• Is not a Soroptimist member, an employee of Soroptimist International of the Americas, or an immediate family member of either.

Award Tiers

Award recipients could potentially receive between $1,000 and $16,000 to support their education: $1,000

Club-Level

The award amount varies, but on average, club-level recipients receive about $1,000 from a local Soroptimist club. $5,000

Region-Level

Club-level recipients then become eligible for a $3,000 or $5,000 region-level award. $10,000

International

Those who receive a region-level award then become eligible for one of three international awards.