Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders

The Zonta Club of Olympia is proud to support women and girls in achieving their educational and professional goals through local and international scholarship programs. Our scholarships are designed to recognize academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service.

Since our founding in 1928, we’ve helped local women pursue higher education and careers in fields where women have been traditionally underrepresented—continuing Zonta’s global mission to empower women through education.

Local Scholarships

Each year, the Zonta Club of Olympia awards scholarships to outstanding students in Thurston County who demonstrate leadership, integrity, and a dedication to advancing the status of women.

Scholarships include:

• Young Women in Leadership (YWIL) Award 

  • Zonta Club of Olympia is offering a $2000.00 scholarship. 

  • General Information:  The goal of the Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award is to encourage young women to participate in leadership positions by recognizing the candidate’s commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of volunteer leadership achievements, and a dedication to building a better world for women and girls through service and advocacy.

  • For more women to be represented in key decision-making positions worldwide, we must encourage young women to pursue careers or seek leadership positions in public policy-making, government, and volunteer organizations, and further their education with these goals in mind. 

  • Who is Eligible? Women, aged 16-19 on 1st April each year, living in a Zonta district or who 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 for Zonta International’s mission of building a better world for women and girls. Note that applicants from geographic areas within a Zonta district where no clubs are located may apply via a Zonta eClub or directly to the district to be eligible for the international awards.

  • The Zonta Club of Olympia timeline:

    • The Olympia Club of Zonta’s application deadline is January 15, 2026.

    • Goes to Scholarship Committee January 20, 2026

    • The recommendations will be presented to the Zonta Board on February 12, 2026. 

  • Download Application (PDF)

• Women in Business Leadership Scholarship (WIBL)  — Supporting women pursuing business-related degrees at the college/university undergraduate through master’s level. This scholarship program, including details and application information, takes place in late spring/early summer each year, with selection occurring in mid-summer. Olympia Zonta’s award is currently $2000 for the selected applicant.

How to Apply

YWIL applications typically open in October/November each year.

WIBL applications typically open in March/April each year.

South Puget Sound College Foundation/Doris Drees Endowment Scholarship, honoring Zonta member Doris Drees, funded by Zonta Club of Olympia, is available through the foundation each year. SPSCC students are invited to apply through the SPSCC Foundation.

The Evergreen State College/University Toy Kay Endowment Scholarship, honoring Toy Kay, an amazing long-time Zontian and TESC graduate, funded by Zonta Club of Olympia, is available through the TESC Foundation each year.  TESC students are invited to apply directly through the TESC Foundation.

Deadlines and eligibility requirements vary by scholarship.

Your Support Makes a Difference

Scholarships are funded through local fundraising and community partnerships. By supporting our events or donating directly, you help make education accessible to more women in our community.

Together, we’re investing in brighter futures.