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Soroptimist's Live Your Dream Awards program is a

unique education award for women who provide the

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.

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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. 

I applied for a 2025 Live Your Dream Award.
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How to apply

You are eligible to apply if you are a woman who:

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  • 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:

$1,500

$3,000

$16,000

Congratulations to our 2026 recipient, Akur!

Congratulations to our 2026 award winner, Akur K. Akur's story is a powerful example of resilience, determination, and the life-changing impact of education. Born and raised in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya after her family fled the civil war in South Sudan, she overcame significant challenges before coming to Canada through the World University Service of Canada program. After studying in Vancouver and later at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, she achieved her dream of becoming a registered nurse. Inspired by her experiences and her mother's health challenges, Akur is committed to providing compassionate, culturally safe care and improving health outcomes for diverse communities. In recognition of her remarkable journey, leadership, and dedication to helping others, Akur was selected as Soroptimist International of Thunder Bay's Live Your Dream Award recipient and has now been named the Eastern Canada regional winner.

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Lori Haslam (Treasurer), Akur, Sharon Godwin (Chapter President) 

Judy Perrier (Lead, Live Your Dream Awards), Akur Kol

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