t SK women encouraged to apply for help with continuing education

Local women hoping to improve their lives and expand their career opportunities by attending college or vocational programs can apply now for awards from the Soroptimist International of Port Orchard (SIPO).

Now until Dec. 1, SIPO is accepting applications for its three cash awards, which are designed to fulfill Soroptimist’s central goal of improving the lives of women and girls.

The first award is the Violet Richardson Award, named for the first president of Soroptimist and given to girls aged 14 to 17 who volunteer in their communities.

The award seeks to recognize teens who volunteer at a school, church, hospital or service organization, and may be given to more than one girl.

The second is the Women’s Opportunity Award (WOA), which is presented to women who are heads of their households and are enrolled in college and plan to obtain an undergraduate degree and either enter or return to the workforce.

Applicants for the WOA should already be enrolled in or attending school to qualify for this scholarship.

The third award is the Professional/Technical Award, which is given to any woman enrolled in a technical or vocational non-degree program leading to a certificate or license.

Finally, the “Making a Difference for Women” award, which is not a cash award, is presented to a woman who, though not a Soroptimist, helps to promote the goals and issues that are important to Soroptimists, while offering inspirational stories about how to make a difference in the lives of women.

Applications for Violet Richardson and WOA must be received no later than Dec. 1, 2008.

Anyone interested in further information on how to apply can contact Jessie Turner at 871-5740 or Bobbie Weatherill at 876-8280.