Awards & Scholarships

~ SOROPTIMIST AWARDS ~

The Women’s Opportunity Award program is Soroptimist’s signature service project. The awards improve the lives of women by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects. Each year Soroptimists in the 19 countries and territories of our Federation assist women in overcoming personal difficulties and improving their lives through education and skills training. These women, who provide the primary source of financial support for their families, may use the cash award to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, including books, childcare and transportation. Award winners at the club level become eligible for a $5,000 region award and the region winner becomes eligible for a $10,000 federation award.

Many Women’s Opportunity Award recipients have overcome enormous obstacles in their quest for a better life, including poverty, domestic violence, and drug and alcohol abuse. Each year more than $800,000 is disbursed through awards at various levels of the organization to help women achieve their dreams of a better life for themselves and their families. Since the Women’s Opportunity Award program began in 1972, it is estimated that $15 million has been distributed and more than 20,000 women have been assisted.

To be considered for the Women’s Opportunity Award, or to recommend someone, please complete the WOA Application Form and the WOA Reference Form.

The Soroptimist Violet Richardson Award is a recognition program for young women ages 14-17 engaged in volunteer action within their communities or schools. The award is given to young women whose activities make the community and world a better place

To be considered for the Violet Richardson Award, or to recommend someone, please complete the Violet Richardson Application Form. You may also contact us for more information.

Quick link

http://www.soroptimist.org/members/program/Program_VioletRichardson.html

~ SIPO SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ~

The Professional Technical Award assists women by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills and job prospects.

~ SIPO & NORTHWESTERN REGION SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The Fellowship Award is presented to a woman living in Northwestern Region who is continuing her education with a post graduate (masters or PHD) program. This award cannot be given to a Soroptimist or immediate family member (501c(3) rules).

~ OTHER SOROPTIMIST PROGRAMS ~

Soroptimist STOP Trafficking, a project that raises awareness about the sexual trafficking of women and girls, and seeks to encourage citizens, law makers and service providers to focus on this global problem.

Soroptimist Live Your Dream Campaign, aims to inspire women to live their dreams, and encourages them to pass their good fortune on to others.

Soroptimist Workplace to End Domestic Violence Campaign, targets domestic violence as a workplace concern.

Soroptimist RUBY Award, Formerly the Soroptimist Making a Difference for Women Award, the newly-named Soroptimist Ruby Award: For Women Helping Women recognizes and honors the first federation president, Ruby Lee Minar. A ruby is also a deep red gemstone associated with wisdom, importance, vitality, strength, vivacity, power and love: all words embodying the strong and compassionate women who are our award recipients. The Soroptimist Ruby Award honors women who have worked to improve the lives of women and girls through their professional and/or volunteer work. The program begins at the local-level where clubs recognize a woman in their community. Clubs submit their entry to the region-level where the region selects a woman to honor at the region conference. At the federation-level one woman is selected to receive a $5,000 donation to her favorite charitable organization.

Soroptimist Disaster Recovery Fund for Women and Girls, provides funds for programs that assist women and girls after a man-made or natural disaster.