YOUNG WOMEN IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS AWARD

Award description

Because Zonta International believes that young women are the key to women’s advancement in the field of public service, it offers the Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) Award, which recognizes young women, ages 16-19, for demonstrating leadership skills and commitment to public service and civic causes, and encourages them to continue their participation in public and political life.

Established in 1990 by Past International President Leneen Forde, Zonta has given 930 awards (includes international awards), totaling US$1,012,750, to 788 young women representing 58 countries.

The program operates at the Zonta club, district/region and international levels. Zonta clubs provide awards for club recipients, and district/region and international awards are funded by the Zonta International Foundation. District recipients receive US$1,500, and 10 international recipients are selected from the district/region recipients to receive awards of US$4,000 each.

ELIGIBILITY

Women, aged 16-19 on 1 April each year, studying at a secondary school, college or university in a Zonta district/region, or who are studying elsewhere but are citizens of a Zonta country, who demonstrate evidence of the following, are eligible to apply.

• Active commitment to volunteerism.
• Experience in local government, student government, or workplace leadership (paid or unpaid).
• Volunteer leadership achievements.
• Knowledge of Zonta International and its programs.
• Support in Zonta International’s mission of empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.

Note that applicants from geographic areas within a Zonta district/region where no clubs are located may apply via a Zonta e-club or directly to the district to be eligible for the district/region and international awards. Z and Golden Z club members are also eligible to apply. Classified members (club members and individuals with direct membership with Zonta International) and employees of Zonta International and Zonta International Foundation, and their family members (ancestors, descendants, adoptees, siblings, nieces or cousins, and those of their spouse or co-habiting partner), are not eligible to apply for the Awards. Previous International Young Women in Public Affairs Award recipients are not eligible to apply.

We proudly announce the Zonta Club of Oak Brook 2020 Young Woman in Public Affairs Scholar:
Kelsey Fitzgerald of Willowbrook Highschool, Villa Park, Illinois.