Young Women in Public Affairs Award

Scholarship Sponsored by Zonta International

Overview
Zonta’s Young Women in Leadership Award (previously called the Young Women in Public Affairs Award) honors young women aged 16–19 who have shown leadership ability and a commitment to public service and civic causes, and aims to encourage continued involvement in public and political life.

History and impact
Since the program began in 1990, Zonta has presented 1,165 awards, distributing a total of US$1,858,750 to 993 recipients from 60 countries.

Program structure and prizes
The initiative is administered at three levels: Zonta club, district and international. Zonta International provides 37 international awards, each worth US$5,000. Each district may nominate one candidate for international consideration; the five largest districts are permitted to submit a second nominee (allowing up to two nominees from those districts).

How to apply and deadlines
Applications must be initiated through a Zonta club. All materials need to be received by the Zonta club by the deadline shown on the application form. If you downloaded the application from the Zonta International website, contact a local Zonta club to learn the club deadline. If the downloaded application does not list club contact details, use the Club Locator to find the nearest club or email Zonta International Headquarters at programs@zonta.org with your name and contact information for assistance.

If you live in an area that falls within a Zonta district but there is no local club, you remain eligible to be considered for the international awards through the district.

Eligibility
To apply for the Young Women in Leadership Award applicants must:

- Be female and between 16 and 19 years old on 1 April of the award year.
- Reside in a Zonta district or be a citizen of a country where Zonta operates.
- Demonstrate an active commitment to volunteerism.
- Show leadership experience in local government, student government, or the workplace (paid or unpaid).
- Provide evidence of volunteer leadership accomplishments.
- Be familiar with Zonta International and its programs.
- Support Zonta International’s mission to improve the lives of women and girls.

Applicants located in parts of a district with no clubs may apply via a Zonta e-club or submit their application directly to the district to be eligible for international consideration.

Please note that individuals who have previously received district or international Young Women in Public Affairs awards are not eligible to apply for the Young Women in Leadership Award.