The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award is one of the most well-known education grants designed specifically for women who provide the primary financial support for their families. This program helps women who want to improve their lives through education and skills training but lack the resources to do so. It focuses on stability, long-term economic improvement, and empowering women to build a secure future.
The award is run by Soroptimist International of the Americas, a global volunteer organization that invests in programs improving the lives of women and girls. The Live Your Dream Award has existed for decades and continues to be a lifeline for women facing financial hardship, domestic violence, single parenthood, or major life transitions.
Purpose of the Program
The main purpose of the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award is to remove financial barriers that prevent women from completing higher education or vocational training. Many applicants are single mothers or survivors of abuse who are trying to rebuild their lives. Others are low-income women working minimum wage jobs who want to pursue a degree, certification, or trade qualification to improve their earning potential.
This award is not limited to traditional college students. It supports women attending community colleges, trade schools, certification courses, and accredited skills programs. The broad eligibility helps women who take non-traditional education paths.
How the Award Works
The Live Your Dream Award is structured in a three-level funding system. First, local Soroptimist clubs select recipients. Awardees may then advance to regional and international levels, where larger amounts of funding are available.
The typical award ranges from $1,000 to $16,000, depending on selection level. Funds can be used for whatever helps the woman continue her education. This flexibility makes the program valuable because many scholarships restrict usage.
Women often use the award to pay for:
• Tuition or training fees
• Books and supplies
• Transportation to classes
• Childcare while attending school
• Laptop, internet, or equipment needed for coursework
• Rent or household expenses that allow them to stay financially stable while studying
The program acknowledges that women balancing work, school, and caregiving responsibilities often need broader support than typical academic scholarships offer.
Eligibility Requirements
The award is open to women who serve as the primary financial support for themselves and their dependents. This includes children, parents, siblings, or anyone who relies on the applicant’s income. Applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate degree or career-related training program.
Women must be at least 18 years old and able to demonstrate financial need. They must also show they are enrolled or accepted into an accredited program but have not yet completed a graduate-level education.
Citizenship is not required. Most Soroptimist regions accept applicants regardless of immigration status, which makes the award accessible to undocumented students, refugees, and immigrant women seeking stability.
Why This Award Matters
The award is designed for women in real-life hardship who need practical help. Many recipients have experienced unstable housing, domestic violence, divorce, job loss, or limited access to childcare. Education is often the pathway to rebuilding their lives.
The Soroptimist organization recognizes that financial assistance alone is not always enough. Many local clubs offer mentoring, emotional support, networking, and job readiness resources. That combination helps women stay motivated and complete their programs.
This award also contributes to long-term economic mobility. Soroptimist reports that most recipients obtain better jobs, increase their income, and move toward financial independence after completing their training.
How to Apply
The application process opens every year, usually in August, and closes in November. Interested women complete an online application through the Soroptimist portal.
Applicants write short personal essays describing their background, challenges, goals, and how education will change their lives. Strong applications are honest, detailed, and show commitment to completing the program.
Local clubs review applications in early spring. Recipients receive notification and funding later in the year.
Additional Support from Soroptimist
Many local Soroptimist clubs provide hands-on help beyond the award. This includes:
• Career coaching
• Mentorship programs
• Financial literacy training
• Clothing for job interviews
• Community connections
• Support groups for single mothers or survivors of violence
These extra supports help women maintain momentum and reduce dropout risks.
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