Live Your Dream
Soroptimist’s Live Your Dream Awards
Soroptimist’s 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. Providing access to education is the most effective path to self-determination.
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.
The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards are a terrific way to make a BIG difference in the lives of women—and their families. Although the awards address an economic need and make a difference in a practical way, we know they also affect women in a personal way. Women who have received the award report an increase in self-confidence and self-esteem, and pride for being recognized for having the courage to change their lives.
Every year, Soroptimist distributes more than $2.8 million in education grants to women all over the world.
The Raleigh Club grants up to $2,000 to each local award recipient. One of these awardees is submitted for consideration for a Soroptimist Central East Coast Region award (up to $5,000). Region recipients are then considered for one of three $10,000 awards from Soroptimist International of the Americas.
How To Apply
The Live Your Dream Awards application cycle is open August 15 – November 15 each year. To learn more about the program and apply, click the button below.
Real Stories
Here are a few stories of some recipients of the Live Your Dream Awards.
Makeeko – 2025 Live Your Dream Awardee
Makeeko is pursuing an associate degree in medical office administration, and currently works full-time in a local hospital in patient records. She has three children, two of whom are on the autism spectrum. Educating herself on special needs and advocating for her...
Orrie – 2025 Live Your Dream Awardee
Orrie is currently enrolled at Wake Technical Community College as a dental assisting student. She plans to transition to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Dental Hygiene program at the Adams School of Dentistry in the fall of 2026. She views dental...
Alisha – 2025 Live Your Dream Awardee
Alisha is pursuing a degree in early childhood education at Western Governors University Online, and will graduate in November 2025. Alisha is currently working as a Lead Ancillary Teacher at a Christian Montessori School. She is a dedicated wife and mother to an...