Soroptimists seek applicants for cash award

NORTH SAN DIEGO COUNTY – Soroptimist clubs in North County San Diego are looking for women in the area who are a single head of household to apply for Soroptimist's “Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards." To be eligible, women must be the primary support of their families and enrolled in, or accepted into, a college or vocational/trade school program.

The Live Your Dream Award is not a scholarship; the cash award can be used to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, such as books, childcare, tuition and transportation. The winners will be notified in early January 2023 and honored at a later date, and one awardee from each club will be eligible to compete for additional cash awards at the regional and national level. Award amounts vary from club to club. Past recipients may not apply.

Soroptimist International is a worldwide organization with five federations. Last year, the SI of the Americas Federation distributed more than $2.8 million in education awards to about 1,800 women. Over half of Live Your Dream Awards recipients are survivors of domestic violence, trafficking or sexual assault. Nearly all have overcome enormous obstacles, including poverty, teen pregnancy, and drug or alcohol addiction.

"SI Oceanside-Carlsbad was proud to award $13,500 to 12 women this year and next year we expect the award total to increase significantly and thereby reach more women” said SIOC club president Marybeth Glenn, who added "This could not be accomplished without our generous donors, partners and committed SIOC members dedicated to SI’s mission of providing women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment."

Jackie Huyck, of SI Vista and North County Inland, said her club awarded $15,500 in awards to four women in 2022. "We expect a similar amount to be given next year, thanks to the community generously supporting our club’s fundraising efforts” she said. “This is real, local dollars helping women in our community who are working to make a better life for themselves and their families but need a little help,” she said.

The online application portal is at bit.ly/LYDA-apply and the deadline to apply is Nov. 15. Club members are happy to help applicants fill out their online applications. Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland applicants can email [email protected] or visit http://www.soroptimistvista.org for more information.

Submitted by Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland.