Scholarships and Awards

Live Your Dream | Pro-Tech | Helen Cox

Awards and Scholarships

Worldwide, Soroptimist International distributes nearly $3 million in educational grants to about 2,200 women each year. Locally, SIPK’s fundraising efforts provide money for Soroptimist’s signature Live Your Dream Award, as well as our own club’s Professional/Technical Scholarship and the Helen Cox Scholarship.

In 2025, Soroptimist International of Pasco-Kennewick awarded $50,500 to 23 local women who are seeking to improve their own lives, their families’ lives, and the community.

Many recipients of our awards are survivors of domestic violence, trafficking or sexual assault. Nearly all of the women and families we serve have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, teen pregnancy, and drug or alcohol addiction. In recent years, the need for education assistance has been greater than ever. SIPK and our generous donors are investing in the dreams of local women and in our community.

Resources

Questions? email sipk .awards@gmail.com

Helen Cox Refence Form Submission*

Professional-Technical Reference Form Submission*

*academic/professional reference forms must be received by January 15th for applications to be considered.

FAQ

  • Can I apply for more than one scholarship if I qualify?
    Yes, you may apply for more than one SIPK scholarship in the same year, but you are only eligible to receive one award per year.
    If you apply for the Live Your Dream (LYD) Award and do not receive it, we may reach out to suggest applying for the Professional-Technical scholarship.
    You may also apply again in future years for any scholarship, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
    Please note: if you receive a LYD Award, you cannot receive that award again.

    What if I live more than 75 miles from the Tri-Cities?
    You’re welcome to apply for the Professional-Technical or Helen Cox scholarships, but preference is given to applicants within 75 miles. Living farther away will not automatically disqualify you, but location may be a factor in selection. 

    If you are applying for the Live Your Dream Award, we may transfer your application to another club that is closer to your location or to a club that has fewer applications, in order to increase your chances of being considered for an award.

    What is the purpose of the application questions?
    The applications are designed to get to know you — your story, challenges, achievements, and goals. While we do consider grades and academic progress, we place strong value on your personal journey and your future plans. Be open and detailed so we can understand the person behind the transcript.

    Can I use AI tools (like ChatGPT) to help with my application?
    We understand that AI can be a great tool for brainstorming, organizing ideas, or checking grammar. However, your application should be your own work, in your own voice. Avoid copy-pasting AI-generated responses — they often sound generic and may not capture your unique experiences.
    All applications go through an AI content filter, so please use AI as a helper, not a replacement for your authentic story.

    Can I use my scholarship for living expenses?

    • Live Your Dream Award: Yes, funds are paid directly to you and may be used for tuition, books, childcare, transportation, or living expenses.

    • Professional-Technical & Helen Cox Scholarships: No, funds are sent directly to your educational institution for tuition or approved school costs.

    Can my references be family members?
    No. References should be from academic, professional, or community contacts who can speak to your work ethic, achievements, and character.

    Can I reapply if I’ve been awarded before?

    • Live Your Dream Award: No, prior club-level recipients are not eligible to reapply.

    • Professional-Technical & Helen Cox: You may reapply if you haven’t previously received that specific scholarship from SIPK.

  • Who can apply?
    Women who are the primary financial providers for themselves and their dependents, enrolled in or accepted to a vocational/skills training program or undergraduate degree program, and who can demonstrate financial need.

    Do I need to be in a degree program?
    No. You may be in a vocational or skills training program as long as it’s accredited and leads to improved employment opportunities.

    Do I have to be a single parent?
    No. You simply need to be the primary financial provider for your household.

    What if I haven’t started school yet?
    You may apply if you have an official acceptance letter for a program starting soon.

    When is the deadline?
    Applications and references must be received by November 15.

    How are funds disbursed?
    Funds are paid directly to you  for flexible use toward education and related expenses.  Funds will be distributed after March 2026.

  • Who can apply?
    Women seeking a license, certificate, technical degree, or undergraduate degree at an accredited institution.

    Can I apply if I’m in a bachelor’s program?
    Yes, as long as you meet all other requirements.

    What documents do I need to submit?

    Can I submit unofficial transcripts?
    Yes. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted.

    What if I don’t have my current grades?
    Submit your most recent transcript now; you may be asked for updated grades later.

    When is the deadline?
    All materials (application, transcript, references) must be received by January 15.

    How are funds disbursed?
    Funds are paid directly to your educational institution. Funds will be distributed after March 2026.  Those receiving a scholarship will be required to designate when and how they would like their funds dispersed.

  • Who can apply?
    Women in junior or senior standing at an accredited college/university who are accepted into a business or accounting program.

    Do I have to be a full-time student?
    No — but you must meet junior/senior status and be actively pursuing your degree.

    What if I’m not officially admitted to my business program yet?
    You must have proof of admission before the application deadline.

    Can I use this scholarship for online degree programs?
    Yes, if the program is accredited.

    Q: What documents do I need to submit to apply?

    Q: When is the deadline?
    All materials (application, transcript, references) must be received by January 15.

    How are funds disbursed?
    Funds are paid directly to your educational institution. Funds will be distributed after March 2026.  Those receiving a scholarship will be required to designate when and how they would like their funds dispersed.

  • The Live Your Dream Awards program is an education award for women who provide the primary financial support for their families. The Live Your Dream Awards give women the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects. Funds are paid directly to the individual, so she can use the money in whatever way she needs to continue her education.

    Eligibility Requirements Include:

    • Enrolled or accepted into a vocational or skills training program or an undergraduate degree program.

    • Demonstrates financial need.

    • Provide a transcript showing evidence of academic progress.

    • Provide one to two references.

    • Submit monthly income and expenses.

  • The Professional-Technical Scholarship is designed to support women in achieving their educational and professional goals.  This scholarship assists women pursuing a degree, license, or certificate from an accredited institution, including vocational or technical certificates and undergraduate degrees. The funds are paid directly to the recipient's educational institution.

    Eligibility Requirements:

    • Women seeking a license, certificate, or technical degree offered by an accredited institution.

    • Provide a transcript showing evidence of academic progress.

    • Preference given to residents living within 75 miles of the Tri-Cities.

    • Provide 1 to 2 academic /professional references.

    • Not a previous recipient of a SI Pasco-Kennewick Professional/Technical Award

  • The Helen Cox Business Scholarship supports women as they strive to achieve their educational and professional aspirations in business and accounting.  The scholarship is specifically designed for women of junior or senior college standing and accepted into a business program. The scholarship funds are paid directly to the recipient's educational institution.

    Eligibility Requirements:

    • College junior or senior standing.

    • Preference given to residents living within 75 miles of the Tri-Cities.

    • Provide 1 to 2 academic/professional references.

    • Provide a copy of college transcript.

    • Confirmation of admission into a Business Program.