What We Do

Our Programs and Awards

Over the years, our programs have evolved to meet the changing needs of our community. Currently, Soroptimist International of Watsonville focuses on the Dream It, Be It Program, and the Live Your Dream Program.

Live Your Dream Award

Supporting Women Through Education and Opportunity

The Live Your Dream Award program, established in 1972 by Soroptimist International of the Americas, assists women with primary financial responsibility for their families in obtaining the skills training and education necessary to improve their employment status and standard of living. This award recognizes and supports women who persevere against significant obstacles to create a better future for themselves and their families.

Application Timeline

Applications for the Live Your Dream Award are distributed to local community colleges, non-profit organizations, and vocational and skills training programs beginning in September. The deadline for applications is typically in November, and awards are presented in the Spring. The awards can be used to offset costs associated with education, including rent, books, childcare, and transportation.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants must:

  • Provide financial support for themselves and at least one dependent.
  • Have financial need.
  • Be enrolled in or accepted to a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program.
  • Be motivated to achieve their educational and career goals.
  • Not have previously received a Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity Award or Live Your Dream Award.
  • Not have a graduate degree.
  • Not be Soroptimist members, employees of Soroptimist International of the Americas, or immediate family of either.
  • Agree to write your essays in your own words, without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

Apply for the Live Your Dream Award

Dream It, Be It

Empowering the Next Generation

Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls offers practical tools and inspiration for girls to pursue their education and career goals. Our program empowers young women to break cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse—helping them turn dreams into reality.

Our Approach

We recognize that every girl faces unique challenges, and we are committed to prioritizing those who experience added barriers, such as poverty, unstable home environments, foster care, or teen motherhood. Through Soroptimist clubs, we partner with girls in small groups or conference-style gatherings, sharing resources, guidance, and encouragement tailored to their individual journeys.

Making a Difference When It Matters Most

By connecting with girls early, we have a meaningful impact—not just in the present, but for years to come. Our support helps girls stay safe and healthy, reduces the risk of crisis in adulthood, and sets them on a path to realizing their full potential.

Our Curriculum Covers:

  • Exploring career opportunities
  • Setting and achieving personal and professional goals
  • Overcoming obstacles to success
  • Resilience after setbacks or failures

Why Dream It, Be It?

Too many girls face overwhelming obstacles—poverty, teen dating violence, and unplanned pregnancy, among others—that stand between them and their dreams. Dream It, Be It provides practical tools and strategies to help them overcome these challenges, build confidence, and strive for success.

Get Involved

Join our club in supporting this program. Take action today—become an advocate, share your support, and join our online action network at LiveYourDream.org.

For questions, or more information, reach out to us at siwatsonville@soroptimist.net