Soroptimist International of Noyo Sunrise Scholarship

Soroptimist of Noyo Sunrise ‘Shine’ Award

Description: Soroptimist was formed in 1921 in Oakland, California, at a time when women had the vote but were not permitted to join any of the all-male service organizations. So women in California formed their own club and called it Soroptimist. Loosely translated from the Latin, Soror+Optimist means “best for women”.

Today Soroptimist International has about 1300 Soroptimist clubs in 121 countries and territories on every continent. Soroptimist believe that education is the key to achieving equal opportunity for women and girls.

Noyo Sunrise is one of 2 clubs in Fort Bragg, Ca. It offers a $1000 scholarship to college-bound young women in their senior year, and is intended to help a girl who has (or needs help to) overcome obstacles to attend college.

Criteria: This scholarship is designed to help girls facing or overcoming obstacles and need help to attain higher education. Examples of obstaclesinclude financial need, physical or mental disability; social, personal, family problems, and/or any other issues. Academic excellence is not a criterion for this particular award. Higher weight will be given to applications from girls seeking a career that can fulfill the Soroptimist mission to help themselves and other women achieve economic empowerment.

Details: Amount: $1,000. (This will be paid directly to the educational institution upon proof

of enrollment.)

Requirements: A 2025-26 FBHS Scholarship application, family annual income or similar

statement, an essay explaining what obstacles are (or were) overcome, and future career plans

that could fulfill the Soroptimist mission described above. Please also attach two letters of

recommendation from teachers, counselors, coaches, and/or employers describing applicant’s

character, work ethic, career plans, and financial need if known.

Application: Please use Local Application. Deadline of Friday, March 31st, 2026.

Email to: sinoyosunrise@soroptimist.net