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

Independence Day

Independence Day – the celebrations, the fireworks, barbecues with friends and family – what a fabulous reminder of this great country we call home! As I see the flags flying, I am filled with pride for our nation and gratitude for the freedom we have. I hope to never take for granted the freedom I have as a woman in the United States of America. Improving the lives of women and girls in our communities starts here. And we do it because we have the ability, the resources, the freedom, but most of all the conviction that it’s the right thing to do.

We owe a debt of gratitude to those who have fought through the years to keep our land free, and to those who serve today in our nation’s military. One of our own, Major Jewel Naffziger, U.S. Army Reserves, is now serving our country in Iraq. Jewel, we salute you! On this Independence Day, and every day, our thoughts and prayers go with you.