SIPK Awards Information

SIPK is currently accepting applications for the following awards.

Ruby Award: The Soroptimist Ruby Award is designed to honor women working to improve the lives of women and girls through their personal, volunteer, or professional efforts. Although not Soroptimists, their work helps promote the issues that are important to Soroptimists and offers inspirational stories about how to make a difference in the lives of women and girls.

Examples of women who would qualify for this award would be one who helped to establish a domestic violence shelter, a woman who starts a mentoring program for at-risk girls, or a woman who lobbies her company to provide on-site childcare. This award program gives our clubs and our organization the opportunity to say “thank you,” and encourages others to explore ways to assist women and girls. Winners at the club level are eligible for a region award and the region winner has the opportunity to be selected to receive a $5,000 donation to her favorite charitable organization. The application deadline is December 1, 2009.

Violet Richardson Award: This award is intended to honor girls for their volunteer service in the community. Girls between the ages of 14-17, who are actively involved in volunteer work, can apply for this award. The winner selected from the applications will receive an award in the amount of $400. Deadline for applications is December 1, 2009.

Women's Opportunity Award: The Women’s Opportunity Awards program, Soroptimist’s major service project, aids women seeking to improve their economic status by gaining additional skills, training and education. The program helps women who, as the primary wage earners for their families, must improve their employment status by entering or returning to the work force. Applicants for this award must be the head-of-household and also pursuing a degree. First place is $2,000, second place is $1,000. The deadline for applications is December 15, 2009. First place winners will be submitted to District for further consideration.

Pro-Tech Award: This award is for a woman who is working on a vocational certificate or degree from an accredited school. First place is $1,500, second place is $1,000. The deadline for applications is January 15, 2010.

Northwest Region Fellowship Award: This award supports women in the Northwestern Region who are returning to school for post-graduate study in an accredited college or university, leading to an advanced degree (master’s or doctorate). The award amount is $1,500. The application deadline is January 15, 2010.

Helen Cox Award: Named after our longtime member and supporter, Helen Cox, this award is unique to SIPK and is Helen's legacy to our club. Applicants for this award should be a junior or senior woman pursuing a degree in business or accounting. The award amount is $2,000. The application deadline is January 15, 2010.

Most applications are available in the financial aid offices of CBC and WSU-Tri-Cities. Or please contact the Awards chair or an SIPK member for emailable applications.