STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Soroptimist International of Staten Island has announced that applications are now open for the Soroptimist Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for women.
The grant program is earmarked for women who are the primary earners in their families and need financial support to continue their education, job, or training.
Applications are now open and can be submitted online at soroptimistsi.org/live-your-dream. The deadline to apply is Nov. 15.
Local recipients will then become eligible to compete at the regional level through the Soroptimist North Atlantic Region, where they may receive up to $5,000 in additional funding.
“Research has confirmed that access to education and training helps build women’s confidence, improves their quality of life, and ultimately, uplifts communities,” said Soroptimist International of Staten Island President Tina Bilcher-Murphy.
“We are pleased to once again offer this vital assistance and invite all women seeking to enhance their financial goals through continuing education to apply for our Live Your Dream Award,” she added.
Soroptimist International of Staten Island will provide local cash awards to selected applicants. The program culminates in three finalists each receiving $10,000 awards.
The generous grant is designed to offset education-related expenses such as tuition, books, childcare, transportation or other training costs.
Tina Bilcher Murphy, left, president of Soroptimist International Staten Island and Angie DePompo Seff, chairperson of their 2025 awards gala. (Courtesy/Italian DePompo Cantone)Courtesy/Italian DePompo CantoneAbout Live Your Dream
Each year, the Live Your Dream Award distributes more than $2.8 million in education grants to women who serve as heads of household and are in financial need.
“The direct financial support stipend helps women who are independently responsible achieve their educational and career goals,” added Bilcher-Murphy. “We believe in empowering women to turn challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality.”
Since the program began in 1972, Soroptimist has awarded over $35 million, helping tens of thousands of women build better lives for themselves and their families.
A study conducted by The Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania found that the award program significantly improves the recipients’ quality of life, builds confidence and self-determination, and often inspires them to give back to others.
The program’s impact, the study notes, extends beyond individual recipients and contributes to stronger communities, nations and global progress.
About Soroptimist International of Staten Island
Founded in 1955, Soroptimist International of Staten Island is part of Soroptimist International of the Americas, a global volunteer organization that empowers women and girls through access to education and training.
The organization is a registered 501(c)(3) and depends on charitable donations to fund its programs.
Soroptimist also supports LiveYourDream.org, an online community offering real-world volunteer opportunities in support of women and girls.
For more information about Soroptimist International of Staten Island or the Live Your Dream Award, visit www.soroptimistsi.org.
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