Young Women in Public Affairs Award

Scholarship Sponsored by Zonta International

Overview
The Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award (formerly the Young Women in Public Affairs Award) recognizes young women who show leadership, a commitment to public service, and an interest in civic life. It’s designed to encourage continued participation in public and political life.

Impact and scale
- Since 1990, Zonta has presented 1,165 awards totaling US$1,858,750 to 993 young women from 60 countries.
- At the international level Zonta offers 37 awards of US$5,000 each.

How the program is organized
- The program runs at three levels: club, district, and international.
- Each Zonta district may submit one candidate for the international awards; the five largest districts may submit a second candidate (so they can submit up to two).

How to apply (short, practical guide)
- Your application must begin with a Zonta club. All materials must be received by that club by the deadline printed on the application.
- If you downloaded the application from the Zonta International website, contact a Zonta club to confirm the club’s submission deadline. If the application doesn’t list club contact details, find a nearby club with the Club Locator or email Zonta International Headquarters at programs@zonta.org.
- If you live in an area of a district that has no local clubs, you may apply through a Zonta district or via a Zonta e-club to be eligible for the international awards.

Who is eligible
To apply you must:
- Be a woman aged 16–19 on April 1 of the award year.
- Live in a Zonta district or be a citizen of a Zonta country.
- Demonstrate active commitment to volunteerism.
- Show experience in local government, student government, or workplace leadership (paid or unpaid).
- Have volunteer leadership achievements.
- Know about Zonta International and its programs and support Zonta’s mission to improve the lives of women and girls.

Other important notes
- Applicants from geographic areas within a Zonta district with no clubs may apply through an e-club or directly to the district to be eligible for international consideration.
- Previous district and international recipients of the Young Women in Public Affairs Award (now the Young Women in Leadership Award) are not eligible to apply again.

If you’re thinking about applying, start by locating the nearest Zonta club and getting their deadline and submission instructions. If you need help, email programs@zonta.org.