The Live Your Dream Awards offers three levels of cash awards. Eligible applicants can submit their application by November 15. Live Your Dream Awards recipients receive funds to help offset tuition costs, purchase books, get transportation, or find reliable childcare so she can worry less about how to pay her bills and focus on reaching her dreams.

The first level of judging occurs at the club level - our Soroptimist of Visalia selects and notifies our finalists before December 31st. We publicly announce and provide funds to our recipients at our annual Ruby Awards dinner in February each year. 

Before going any further, we encourage you to confirm that you are eligible. You are eligible to apply if you are a woman who:

• 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, high school equivalency or an undergraduate degree program.

• Is motivated to achieve your education and career goals.

• Has not previously been the recipient of a Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity or Live Your Dream Award.

• Does not have a graduate degree.

• Is not a Soroptimist member, an employee of Soroptimist International of the Americas or immediate family of either.

What we’ve accomplished:

1. Soroptimist members in 20 countries and territories participate in the Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women; Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls; and local projects tailored to meet the community needs of women and girls.

2. In 2023, four amazing women were selected to receive $10,000 in grant money. These awards were announced at the Soroptimist of Visalia Annual Awards Dinner.

3. Soroptimist Visalia improved the lives of these women by providing cash awards allowing them to pursue their academic goals while providing for their families.

4. One of our recipients in both 2020 and 2021 were selected for a regional award, granting even more life changing funds.

Member Team Duties

This committee is responsible for soliciting, screening, selecting, and awarding the Live Your Dream Education Awards.  The Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women assist women who provide the primary financial support for their families. Live Your Dream Awards give women the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects.