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Soroptimist Programs
Soroptimist’s mission is to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. In order to accomplish this goal, the organization sponsors several programs. One of the organization’s major service project is the Women’s Opportunity Awards, which assist women by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills and job prospects.
Violet Richardson Awards
Named for the president of the first Soroptimist club, the Violet Richardson Award honors girls who are making a difference through volunteer service. Each year, Soroptimist clubs honor girls who donate their time and energy to causes that make the community and world a better place— such as working to end discrimination and poverty, assisting women and children who are victims of domestic violence, or mentoring young girls. The program begins on the Soroptimist club level, with club recipients becoming eligible for additional awards at other levels of the organization. Our awardee receives $500 award and $500 award to an organization of their choice. For more information-Please contact Linda Day @ 952-7377 or Natasha Pope
Women's Opportunity Awards
The Women’s Opportunity Awards program is Soroptimist’s major service project. The awards improve the lives of women by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills, and employment prospects. Each year, Soroptimist clubs in 19 countries and territories assist women in overcoming personal difficulties and improving their lives through education and skills training. The women, who provide the primary source of financial support for their families, may use the cash award to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, including books, childcare and transportation. Club recipients become eligible for additional cash awards at other levels of the organization, including three $10,000 finalist awards.
Many Women’s Opportunity Award recipients have overcome enormous obstacles in their quest for a better life, including poverty, domestic violence, and drug and alcohol abuse. Each year, more than $800,000 is disbursed through awards at various levels of the organization to help women achieve their dreams of a better life for themselves and their families. Since the Women’s Opportunity Awards program began in 1972, it is estimated that $15 million has been disbursed and more than 20,000 women have been assisted. In 2003, The Women’s Opportunity Awards program received the Award of Excellence from the American Society of Association Executives’ Associations Advance America program.Program Requirements
Eligible applicants must be women who provide the primary financial support for their families, and who are enrolled in or have been accepted to a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, and cannot have already earned an undergraduate degree. Only residents of Soroptimist International of the Americas' 19 member countries and territories are eligible to apply.
Applications are accepted each year from July 1st until December 1st. Applications received after December 1st and before July 1st will not be considered.
Individuals interested in applying for a Women’s Opportunity Award may download an application and mailing instructions.
Women's Opportunity Award Application
Reference Form for WOA application
International Projects
In addition, Soroptimist clubs participate in projects sponsored by the parent organization, Soroptimist International. The current project, Project Independence: Women Survivors of War, partners Soroptimist International with Women for Women International. The project assists women in war-torn countries such as Afghanistan, Bosnia and Rwanda, and provides tools and resources to move the women from crisis and poverty into a civil society that promotes and protects peace, stability and self-sufficiency.
For more information on Soroptimist’s programs, contact Roberta Degenhardt , SICI President