Soroptimist's Live Your Dream Awards program is a unique education award for women who provide the primary financial support for their families. The Live Your Dream Awards give women the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects.
Every year, Soroptimist distributes more than $2.9 million in education awards to over 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 poverty, teen pregnancy, and drug or alcohol addiction. Live Your Dream Awards recipients may use the cash award to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, such as books, childcare, tuition and transportation.
Why We Do It
Education is the pathway to economically empowering women and girls.
When Women Learn
families live healthier lives
(Source: Population Reference Bureau)
When Girls Go to School
they are more likely to get paying jobs and their financial contributions to their families—and their nations—increase
(Source: Population Reference Bureau)
When Girls Have Educated Moms
they are more likely to be enrolled in school and to reach higher levels of education
(Source: Population Reference Bureau)
When Women are Educated
their countries are more likely to have greater economic growth
(Source: World Bank)
Now I have a purpose. I will use my voice to share my story to inspire others to do the same. The Live Your Dream Awards will help me to further my growth, accountability and commitment to be a transformational agent and end this cycle for my family!
Since 1972, we've distributed over $41 million in education awards to 41,000 women making a better life for themselves and their families.
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
Download or print the Live Your Dream Awards Impact Infographic
Check out the 23/24 Live Your Dream Awards impact!
Soroptimist: Investing in Women's Empowerment Through Education
The Fels Institute of Government, a research and consulting organization based at the University of Pennsylvania, released a study evaluating the Live Your Dream Awards.
