Live Your Dream Awards

Women at their best, working to help other women to be their best.

The Live Your Dream Awards offers three levels of cash awards. Eligible applicants can submit their application between August 1 - November 15. Ultimately, a Live Your Dream Awards finalist has the potential to receive up to $16,000 to help offset tuition costs, purchase books, get transportation, or find reliable childcare so she can worry less about how to pay her bills and focus on reaching her dreams.

Soroptimist was formed in 1921 in Oakland, California, at a time when women were not permitted to join service organizations. Our name, loosely translated from the Latin, means best for women. Today, we have over 25,000 members and supporters in countries across North America, Latin America and the Pacific Rim. We are one of five federations that make up Soroptimist International, which has clubs in more than 120 countries throughout the world.

Ultimately, a Live Your Dream Awards finalist has the potential to receive up to $16,000 to help offset tuition costs, purchase books, get transportation, or find reliable childcare so she can worry less about how to pay her bills and focus on reaching her dreams.

Before going any further, make sure you are eligible. You are eligible to apply if you are a woman who:

• Provides the primary financial support for yourself and your dependents. Dependents can include children, spouse, partner, siblings and/or parents.
• Has financial need.
• Is enrolled in or has been accepted to a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program.
• Is motivated to achieve your education and career goals.
• Resides in one of Soroptimist International of the Americas’ member countries/territories (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Guam, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Northern Mariana Islands, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Taiwan, United States of America, Venezuela).
• Has not previously been the recipient of a Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity or Live Your Dream Award.
• Does not have a graduate degree.
• Is not a Soroptimist member, an employee of Soroptimist International of the Americas or immediate family of either.

Award Levels

Recipients have the potential to receive $1,000 - $16,000 to further their education:

$1,000 Club-Level

Award amounts vary, but club-level recipients receive an average of $1,000 from a local Soroptimist club.

$5,000 Region-Level

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

$10,000 International Finalists

Region-level award recipients then become eligible for one of three international awards.