Live Your Dream Award

A signature program of Soroptimist International of the Americas that provides grants to head-of-household women pursuing educational or career training opportunities.

Geographic Scope: Kansas City area; local winners advance to South Central Region and then to Soroptimist International of the Americas for additional consideration.

Focus Areas:

• Education and career training for women
• Economic empowerment through vocational/skills training or undergraduate degree programs
• Support for women who are primary wage earners for their families

Eligibility:

• Women who serve as head of household/primary wage earners
• Enrolled in or accepted to a vocational/skills training program OR undergraduate degree program
• Must be actively engaged in career training

Award Details:

• Local awards: Up to $3,500
• Regional level: Up to an additional $5,000
• Federation level: Up to $10,000
• Awards are restriction-free and may be used for tuition, books, childcare, transportation, or any other education-related expense

Program History:

• Over $40 million awarded since inception
• Tens of thousands of women have been assisted
• Over $3 million in awards provided annually
• Impact study by The Fels Institute of Government confirms improved quality of life, confidence, self-determination, and community benefit

Application Process

1. Access the Application Portal:
   • Visit http://bit.ly/lyda-apply
   • Or contact Marie Parker at lyd@kcsoroptimist.org
2. Portal Instructions:
   • Click the application weblink
   • Click the "Start My Application" button (located towards the bottom left)
   • Sign in or register for SurveyMonkey
   • Select "Soroptimist International of Kansas City"
   • Complete the application
3. Required Materials:
   • Personal statement (750 words or less)
   • Two references (online reference form provided; no letters needed)
4. Personal Statement Requirements:
   • Describe how the award could help you live your dream
   • Focus on how you have faced obstacles on the path to living your dreams
   • Maximum 750 words
5. Reference Information:
   • Identify two "biggest cheerleaders" to serve as references
   • Can be mentors, teachers, counselors, supervisors, colleagues, or case managers
   • References complete online form (no letters required)
6. Selection Process:
   • Applications reviewed by judges from the local community
   • Winners chosen based on application materials
   • First place local winner submitted to South Central Region
   • Region winners submitted to Soroptimist International of the Americas