Achieve Economic Independence
Annual Application Period: August 15 – November 15
Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women® is our signature program through whch we help women find their voice and purpose while offering the resources they need to succeed. The women and girls we serve are some of the most courageous, powerful and inspiring people you’ll ever meet. Every one of them is a superhero.
Ultimately, a Live Your Dream Award® regional and international finalist has the potential to receive up to $16,000 to help offset tuition costs, purchase books, acquire transportation, or find reliable childcare so she can worry less about how to pay her bills and focus on reaching her dreams.
Using These Awards
Soroptimist International of McMinnville provides cash awards to women who:
- are working to improve their lives by pursuing additional education up to completion of a bachelor’s degree or vocational skills training
- have primary financial responsibility for themselves and their dependents
- are motivated to succeed
- have financial need, and
- are enrolled in or have been accepted to a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program
How to Apply
The Live Your Dream Award offers three levels of cash awards:
- a minimum of $1,000 at the local club level
- $5,000 regional level
- $10,000 international level
Eligible applicants can submit their application through the online application system between August 15 – November 15.
Ultimately, the McMinnville Soroptimist Club 1st Place recipient has the potential to be chosen as a Regional or Federational 1st place awardee.
The Program’s International History
More than 41,000 women have received cash awards from this program since its inception in 1972. Every year, Soroptimist distributes more than $2.9 million in education grants to about 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 racism, poverty, teen pregnancy, and substance use disorder.
Our Impact
We invest in women’s education because it transforms lives and communities. The Live Your Dream Awards has been recognized for its effectiveness and long-term impact.
- 86% of Live Your Dream Award recipients completed their education and improved their standard of living
- 74% of recipients who completed their educational degree or certification secured higher-paying employment
- 93% of recipients report the award has increased their self-esteem
The Live Your Dream Award was helpful in my life and the lives of my two children. It was a very real addition that helped me with costs of living and schooling needs. I’m so grateful for the award and the people who helped make it possible.
