Women's Opportunity Award

When you were a girl, did you imagine a future filled with hope and promise?  But then your life took an unexpected turn, and you were forced to put your dreams on hold?

Since 1972, Soroptimist has been helping women all over the world to reclaim their dreams through the Women’s Opportunity Awards program.  The Women’s Opportunity Awards give women the resources they need to improve their education, skills, and employment prospects.  Eligible applicants must be women who provide the primary financial support for their families and who are enrolled in or have been accepted to a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program.

Each year, Soroptimist clubs in 19 countries and territories assist women in overcoming personal difficulties and bettering their lives through education and skills training.  The women may use the cash award to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, including books, childcare, and transportation.* 

The program begins on the club level.  Award amounts at the club level vary; this year the Salt Lake club is offering $2000.  Club recipients become eligible to receive region-level awards.  The Rocky Mountain Region offers a $5000 award.   The 28 regional recipients then become eligible to win one of three finalist awards of $10,000 each.

Do you know of a woman who is ready to begin a new life?  Are you that woman?  If you are, SI of Salt Lake is accepting applications through December 15, 2012.  The application form can be obtained on the web site, www.sislc.org.

* From the Women’s Opportunity Award application