primary financial support for their families. The Live Your Dream Awards give women the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects.
APPLICATIONS OPEN AUG. 15 2025
Every year, Soroptimist distributes more than $2.9 million in education awards to over 2,000 women all over the world. Over half of our Live Your Dream Awards recipients are survivors of domestic violence, trafficking or sexual assault. Nearly all of the women and families we serve have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, teen pregnancy, and drug or alcohol addiction. Live Your Dream Awards recipients may use the cash award to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, such as books, childcare, tuition and transportation.
How to apply
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 and is not pursuing one currently.
Is not a Soroptimist member, an employee of Soroptimist International of the Americas or immediate family of either.
Recipients have the potential to receive up to $2,000 to $21,000 to further their education:
Club-level award
Award amounts vary. Winners of SI of Thunder Bay awards have received up to $2,000.
Region-level Award
Local recipients then become eligible for a $3,000 or $5,000 region-level award
International-level award
Region-level award recipients then become eligible for one of three international awards
$2,000
$2,000$2,000
$3,000
$3,000$3,000
$16,000
$16,000$16,000
Congratulations to our 2024 recipients!
Congratulations to our 2024 award winners, Jennifer M. and Anna N. Both these women are deserving recipients and overcame many obstacles to achieve their goals. Pictured with Jennifer (left) is our President Cindy Figus and Judy Perrier and Linda Adams part of our LYD committee. Pictured with Anna (right) is our President and part of our LYD committee.