
Quick Facts
- Each year, more than $1.6 million is disbursed through cash awards at various levels of the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards.
- Many recipients have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, domestic violence, and drug and alcohol abuse.
- The awards may be used to offset any costs associated with efforts to attain higher education, such as books, childcare and transportation.
Why support this cause?
Did you know that in 1948, the United Nations declared basic education to be a fundamental human right? Despite that, 16 percent of the world’s population lack basic literacy skills – two-thirds of these are women? Did you know that lack of education increases a woman’s chances of living in poverty, being effected by violence, becoming infected with HIV/AIDS and dying in childbirth?
When women have access to education, the positive effects are seen, not just for the women, but for their families and communities as well. Educated women are more likely to enter the formal labor market, earning higher wages than informal or home-based work. Educated women learn what they can do to stay healthy. Educated women are more likely to avoid sexually-transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancies. She will less likely marry and begin to bear children at an early age, improving her chances for healthier pregnancies and babies. Educated women are also more likely to ensure that their children receive an education.
These are just a few of the reasons Soroptimist International of Mission Valley (SIMV) participates in the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award. Each year we provide financial awards to help qualified women continue their education and live their dreams.
SIMV members are dedicated to helping as many women as we can. As a new club, we have not yet raised as much funding as we would like. We need your help! Your donation will help us give awards to more women and to provide other types of support as they complete their education.
Soroptimst Live Your Dream Awards
Live Your Dream Award Success
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of Live Your Dream Award recipients earned or continue to pursue an educational degree or certificate
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of recipients who completed their education report an increased standard of living
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of recipients who completed their educational degree or certification secured higher-paying employment
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