Thank you for your interest in the Live Your Dream Awards. As the application deadline is November 15, we do not recommend starting a new online application because you are unlikely to complete all components on time and the deadline is firm. Please email LYDAwards@soroptimist.org with any questions. Please note that our office is closed on Saturday and Sunday, so we will be unable to assist until Monday after the deadline has passed.
If you feel you can complete the full application and secure at least one reference, you're ready to get started! Your reference must also submit the online reference form before you can submit your application.
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 recipient has the potential to receive up to US $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, high school equivalency, 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, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guam, Guyana, Honduras, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Nicaragua, Northern Mariana Islands, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela).
Has not previously been the recipient of a Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity or Live Your Dream Award.
Does not have a graduate degree and is not pursuing one currently.
Is not a Soroptimist member, an employee of Soroptimist International of the Americas or immediate family of either.
The Live Your Dream Award has been a tremendous blessing for me in helping me to conquer my dreams and it gave me this boost of confidence to keep pressing forward.
Recipients have the potential to receive US $1,000 - US $16,000 to further their education:
US $1,000
Club-Level
Award amounts vary according to your region and country, but club-level recipients receive an average of US $1,000 from a local Soroptimist club. Each club selects one first-place recipient to move on to the next level of judging.
US $3,000 or US $5,000
Region-Level
Each club’s first-place recipient is eligible for a US $3,000 or US $5,000 region-level award. Each region selects one first-place recipient to move on to the next level of judging.
US $10,000
International-Level
Each region’s first-place recipient is eligible for one of three international-level awards.
Helpful Resources
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