Submitted by Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor

Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor is now accepting applications for two of its major awards.

The Educational Opportunity Award is given to a woman who is a resident of San Juan County, enrolled in an undergraduate or vocational degree program of study. This $2,000 award was created to help women overcome financial difficulties and better their lives through education and training. The recipient may use the cash award to offset any costs of higher education, such as tuition, books, childcare, and transportation. An applicant does not need to be the primary wage earner in a household to be eligible for this award. This is the third year in a row that Soroptimist of Friday Harbor has offered the Educational Opportunity Award.

The Fellowship Award is given to a woman in San Juan County who is returning to school for postgraduate study at an accredited college or university, leading to an advanced degree. This $2,500 award is open to local women established in business or one of the professions who wish to undertake advanced study at an accredited college or university.

Downloadable instructions and application forms are available online at www.sifri.org. Applications for both awards must be mailed to SIFRI, PO Box 2856, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, and postmarked by Jan. 31. For questions or additional information, contact Diana Sibert, dianasibert@gmail.com or 370-5269.

All applicants will be notified of the judges’ decision in mid-February, and the winner will be invited to be introduced at the annual Notable Women’s Lunch in March.

Founded in 1996, the Friday Harbor club is part of Soroptimist International of the Americas, a global organization that works to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Friday Harbor members join with almost 80,000 Soroptimists in about 120 countries and territories to contribute time and financial support to community-based projects benefiting women and girls.

In Friday Harbor the club raises and donates over $40,000 and thousands of volunteer hours each year to community projects. For more information about how Soroptimist improves the lives of women and girls, visit www.soroptimist.org.