Soroptimist Opens Live Your Dream Applications
Aug 25, 2026 03:42PM ● By MPG Staff
Soroptimist said the financial support is intended to reduce some of the barriers women may face while pursuing an education, allowing recipients to focus on completing their training and preparing for employment. Photo courtesy of Soroptimist International of Elk Grove
ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - Soroptimist International of Elk Grove is accepting applications for its Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women, which can provide eligible recipients with up to $16,000 to support their education and career goals.
Applications are open through Nov. 15. The program is designed for women who are the primary financial providers for themselves and their dependents and who are enrolled in or have been accepted into an undergraduate degree program or vocational or skills training.
Recipients may use award funds for education-related expenses including tuition, books, transportation and childcare.
“The Live Your Dream Awards give women the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects,” Soroptimist International of Elk Grove said in information about the program.
Awards are offered at three levels, beginning with judging by local Soroptimist clubs. Award amounts and timelines vary by club, and recipients have the potential to receive between $1,000 and $16,000 as they advance through the program.
Soroptimist said the financial support is intended to reduce some of the barriers women may face while pursuing an education, allowing recipients to focus on completing their training and preparing for employment.
According to the organization, more than half of Live Your Dream Awards recipients are survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking or sexual assault, while many have also faced obstacles including poverty, teen pregnancy and substance addiction.
Since the program began in 1972, Soroptimist has distributed more than $49 million in education awards to approximately 47,000 women, according to the organization. In a recent year, more than $3.4 million was distributed to over 2,300 women worldwide.
Soroptimist reported that 97% of past recipients completed their education or continued working toward their education or training goals, while 88% reported increased self-esteem. Among recipients who were survivors of gender-based violence, 98% reported living in a safe environment.
“The award can help a woman build confidence, independence and resilience that benefit the entire household,” the organization said. Soroptimist also said supporting a woman’s education can help her children, strengthen families and expand future opportunities.
Applicants must demonstrate financial need and provide the primary financial support for themselves and their dependents, which may include children, a spouse or partner, siblings or parents.
Applicants must also be enrolled in or accepted to an undergraduate degree, vocational or skills-training program and reside in a country or territory served by Soroptimist International of the Americas.
Women who previously received a Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity Award or Live Your Dream Award are not eligible. Applicants also cannot hold or be pursuing a graduate degree and cannot be Soroptimist members, employees of Soroptimist International of the Americas or immediate family members of either.
Applicants are required to complete the written portions of their applications in their own words. Artificial intelligence tools may be used for grammar or organization, according to the organization, but applicants’ stories must reflect their own experiences and goals.
