SIS supports the education that will help women and girls achieve economic empowerment.

We award scholarships in four areas: Live Your Dream, High School, Continuing Education, and Professional/Technical (Vocational).

The Live Your Dream Award is given at all levels of Soroptimist International of the Americas. It represents the fundamental goal of Soroptimist. To give women the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects. Applications are available now at: https://www.soroptimist.org/our-work/live-your-dream-awards/index.html.

The funds are given to the awardee and may be used for any purpose that will help them reach their career and educational goals. This award is to help her enter or re-enter the job market, or to further her skills and training to upgrade her employment status. If you have any questions, you may email LYDA@sisequim.org.

Continuing Education Scholarships.

Applicants must have completed 24 semester hours or 30 quarter hours. The award is intended to help women who live in Sequim or who attended Sequim High School with financial need reach their educational goals. This year nine women received $12,000 to continue their educations in undergraduate or graduate school. Applications for next year will be available in May, 2025.

High School Scholarships. Sequim high school women students from the class of 2024 received a total of $14,500 of awards at the June 6, 2024, Scholarship Awards ceremony at Sequim High School. One scholarship for a student intending to go into nursing was given by a donor in honor of Margaret Preston. Mrs. Preston was Director of Nursing for US Public Health Service and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Here in Sequim she was instrumental in both the Dungeness Valley Health and Wellness Clinic and the Sequim Dog Park. She passed away in 2024.

Professional/Technical (Vocational) Scholarships are distributed through the Peninsula College Foundation. They are listed on WashBoard and more information is available from the Peninsula College Financial Aid Office. The scholarships are intended to help women get training and certification that will enhance their job prospects.

LIVE YOUR DREAM AWARD RECIPIENTS FOR 2023

Kayla Heckathorn

We congratulate first place winner Kayla Heckathorn, a Sequim mother of two whose goal is to be a registered nurse. References describe Kayla as hardworking and determined to get her degree in the medical field. Kayla received $3,000 from the Sequim club and an additional $1,500 at the District level.

Dolcenia Montero

Second place winner is Dolcenia Montero. Also a mother of two, Dolcenia is from Port Townsend and she is working toward a Multimedia Communications, Graphics degree from Peninsula College. References describe Dolcenia as having strong communication skills. They tell us Dolcenia has worked hard to overcome difficult situations. She received a $2,000 award.

The heart of Soroptimist’s mission is to “make a difference for women” through volunteer service to the community. Our most well known and well used service is the SIS Medical Loan Closet. We loan new and used medical equipment free of charge to those in the Sequim area who need it.

Soroptimist International of Sequim is part of Soroptimist International, which consists of Soroptimist International of the Americas, Soroptimist International of Europe, Soroptimist International of Great Britain & Ireland, Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific and Soroptimist International of Africa. We are part of this global volunteer movement working together to transform the lives of women and girls.