Soroptimist International of Auburn awards $17K in scholarships, awards

Soroptimist International of Auburn awarded $17,000 this spring through its signature Live Your Dream program, high school, vocational, Sierra College and perseverance grants, providing cash and mentorship to women seeking education and training. Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. Soroptimist International of Auburn was chartered on April 28, 1949. The chartering ceremony was held at the Auburn Hotel and there were 48 charter members inducted. Soroptimist International of Auburn is one of 60 clubs in the Sierra Nevada Region. Local women join some 65,000 Soroptimists in 118 countries and territories to contribute time and financial support to community-based projects benefiting women and girls. Its core values are gender equality, empowerment, education, diversity and fellowship. This year, SI Auburn gave a boost to 15 women and girls, with cash awards ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. These unrestricted grants may be used to offset costs a scholarship would not cover, such as childcare, transportation or other financial obligations that hinder a woman's ability to reach her goals. SI Auburn members remain in contact with the recipients, offering them mentorship and support. The Live Your Dream Award provides more than $2.8 million in cash grants to head-of-household women in need each year and is designed to support women achieving their dreams of a better life for themselves and their families. Additionally, SI Auburn provides local girls with tools to achieve their education and career goals through its Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls program at Confluence High School. It also funds high school scholarships and annual grants to other nonprofits and organizations that align with the Soroptimist mission, and anti-trafficking efforts. Helping women in this way has the demonstrated effect of leading to stronger communities, nations and the world. Learn more at http://www.soropauburn.org/ Facebook: Soroptimist International of Auburn Ca