Scholarships and Service Awards
Soroptimist International Los Angeles (SILA) is proud to recognize and honor local women and girls for their hard work and service to their communities and families. Annually, SILA accepts applications for four separate award programs:
THE SILA GRADUATE STUDENT FELLOWSHIP AWARD
Due date: February 1st
Since 1950, SILA has given a cash award each year to one or more women enrolled in a graduate degree (Master’s or Doctor’s) program at an accredited institution in Los Angeles County in a field of study promoting economic and social development, education, health, human rights or the status of women, or international goodwill and understanding. Currently, SILA is pleased to offer a $3,500.00 cash award to the winning applicant who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement, has financial need, and performs services for her community. See application for further requirements, including official college transcript(s) and letters of recommendation. Applications, including three letters of recommendation, are due February 1st. Final candidates will be personally interviewed and the winner must be available to accept the award at SILA Annual Luncheon.
THE SOROPTIMIST WOMEN’S OPPORTUNITY AWARD
Due date: January 15th
The Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity Award program was established in 1972 to assist women with primary financial responsibility for their families to obtain the skills-training and education necessary to improve their employment status and standard of living for themselves and their family. Last year, nearly $1.5 million in club, region, and federation funds were awarded to more than 1,000 women in Soroptimist International of the Americas' 19 member countries and territories. The women receiving these financial awards may use them for any costs associated with their educational efforts, including tuition, books, child care, and transportation.
SILA is proud to participate in this signature Soroptimist awards program by awarding $1,000.00 to a local woman who meets the following qualifications:
1. Is a woman with primary financial responsibility for supporting her family (includes children, parents, siblings, spouse).
2. Is attending or has been accepted to a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program.
3. Demonstrates financial need.
Applications, including two references, are due January 15th. SILA will complete their judging by February 1st and then notify the winner who will be presented the award at SILA’s annual Luncheon. SILA’s honoree becomes eligible for an additional award at the regional level of the Soroptimist organization which is awarded at the Regional Spring Conference.
THE SOROPTIMIST VIOLET RICHARDSON AWARD
Due date: December 15th
Named for the president of the first Soroptimist club, the Soroptimist Violet Richardson Award honors girls who are making a difference through volunteer service. Each year, SILA honors a local high school student who donates her time and energy to a cause that makes 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. SILA awards $500.00 to the student and an additional $500.00 to the charity of her choice. Applications are due January 15th. SILA will complete their judging by February 1st and then notify the winner who will be presented the award at SILA’s annual Luncheon. SILA’s honoree becomes eligible for additional awards at the regional and federation levels of the Soroptimist organization.
THE SOROPTIMIST RUBY AWARD:
FOR WOMEN HELPING WOMEN
Due date: December 15th
The Soroptimist Ruby Award: For Women Helping Women acknowledges women who, through their professional or personal efforts, are making extraordinary differences in the lives of women or girls. Their efforts help to promote the issues that are important to the Soroptimist organization. Honorees are women who have worked to improve the lives of other women and/or girls. Their work has had a significant impact on the local or global community and it inspires and encourages other women. Annually, SILA selects one or more honorees and awards a cash prize to the charity of their choice. SILA’s honoree becomes eligible for additional awards at the regional and federation levels of the Soroptimist organization.
