International Day of Education 2026 – Expanding Access Through Scholarships

Expanding Access Through Scholarships

Education has the power to change the course of a life, but financial barriers can place that opportunity out of reach. Scholarships help bridge this gap by enabling women and girls to continue their studies, complete qualifications, and plan for long-term independence.

The projects on this page highlight how Soroptimist clubs support education through sustained financial assistance, mentoring, and encouragement. These scholarships do more than fund learning; they provide stability, confidence, and the space to grow. By supporting women and girls to stay in education and progress into leadership and professional roles, these initiatives show how access to learning can strengthen families, communities, and future generations.

SI Dillon, USA – Supporting Education Through the Live Your Dream Award

Through the Live Your Dream Award, members of SI Dillon, Montana, support women who are working to improve their lives through education while managing financial and personal challenges. Elizabeth S., a 2024 award recipient, was balancing multiple jobs and raising her daughter while studying for degrees in psychology and interdisciplinary social sciences. At the same time, she worked at a domestic violence shelter and planned a future supporting survivors through both professional training and lived experience.

The award helped Elizabeth complete her studies and continue into further learning. She has since finished both degrees and now works as Programmes Manager at the same shelter, where she supports women facing similar circumstances. Her connection with Soroptimist continues through collaboration with the local club. This project shows how targeted financial support can help women stay in education and build long-term stability for themselves and their families. 

SI Weybridge & District, United Kingdom – Encouraging Girls’ Pathways into STEM

SI Weybridge & District supports girls’ education through its ongoing STEM-focused work with local schools. The club runs the STEMSTAR initiative, which combines careers engagement, mentoring, and practical recognition for girls showing interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Activities include careers events, school science competitions, and annual awards that celebrate effort, curiosity, and achievement.

The club also provides targeted financial support, including book bursaries for students entering sixth form from low-income households and prizes that raise the profile of STEM subjects among younger pupils. Club members with professional backgrounds in science, education, and research work directly with students, teachers, and school leaders. By offering clear information about study routes and career options, the project helps girls make informed choices and see how education in STEM can open a wide range of future opportunities.

Soroptimist Club of Joondalup, Australia – Scholarships with Long-Term Community Impact

In 2014, the Soroptimist Club of Joondalup awarded scholarships to two young women in Timor-Leste, enabling them to complete tertiary education. What began as individual support has since grown into long-term benefits for the wider community. Both scholarship recipients returned to Timor-Leste and took on leadership roles in education and women’s health.

One now leads education and outreach work focused on cancer awareness and treatment around Dili, while the other manages the country’s main public library and oversees the allocation of scholarships for further study. With continued support from Soroptimist clubs in Western Australia, the women later undertook additional professional learning, building networks that helped strengthen local services. This project shows how sustained educational support can equip women to lead, share knowledge, and expand opportunities for others within their communities.

SI Kisumu, Kenya – Scholarships and Mentorship for Long-Term Change

The SI Club of Kisumu runs a long-term scholarship and mentorship programme that supports girls from secondary school through to university and early career stages. Over eight years, the club has provided sustained financial support alongside mentoring and leadership training, helping young women stay in education and plan for life beyond graduation.

In 2025, four participants completed their studies, achieving strong academic results and moving into professional pathways in education, healthcare, and hospitality. Alongside formal study, the programme builds a close mentoring network, where local and international Soroptimist partners support the girls through challenges and milestones.

The project is strengthened by collaboration with Soroptimist Friendship Links across several countries, ensuring continuity over time. By combining scholarships with consistent guidance, SI Kisumu helps young women complete their education and step into roles where they can contribute skills and leadership within their communities.

Further reading

• Access to Lifelong Learning – Soroptimist International position paper outlining the importance of learning opportunities for women and girls at every stage of life.

• Access to Education and Training – Soroptimist International position paper setting out policy priorities to support inclusive, equitable education and skills development.