Women's Opportunity Award

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 International of Friday Harbor awards a $1500 grant to an area woman who provides the primary source of financial support for her family and is improving her life through education and skills training. The award may be used to offset any costs associated with efforts to attain higher education, including books, childcare and transportation. Club recipients then 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.

Download a Women's Opportunity Award application here and submit it to Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor, PO Box 2856, Friday Harbor, Washington, 98250 by December 15th or contact us for more information.

Violet Richardson Award

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 International of Friday Harbor honors 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. Recipients receive a monetary award from our local club and become eligible for additional awards at other levels of the organization. One winner is chosen to receive a finalist award, which includes a contribution of $2,500 to the charitable organization of the recipient’s choice.

Contact Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor for an application or to learn more about this award. Application deadline for this award is December 1st.

Youth of Distinction Award (YODA)

Given the challenges faced by the students today, Soroptimist annually awards a Youth of Distinction plaque to high school student who has overcome obstacles or who has helped others to do so. We look for someone with heart, character, and a strong sense of self and belief who has contributed to the community and others. The student is chosen by the teachers of Friday Harbor High School.

Professional Technical/Vocational Scholarship

A scholarship awarded to anyone enrolled in a Technical or Vocational non-degree program leading to a certificate or license. Applicants must reside in the Northwestern Region of Soroptimist International of the Americas and be enrolled in a professional or technical certificate program.

Download an application here and submit it to Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor, PO Box 2856, Friday Harbor, Washington, 98250. Contact us for more information.

Fellowship Award

This monetary award supports women residing in the Northwestern Region who are returning to school for postgraduate study in an accredited college or university leading to an advanced degree (Masters or Ph.D.).

Contact Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor to learn more about this award.