Dream Big: Staten Island Women Get a Boost for Education

Staten Island women who are the main breadwinners in their families have a chance to get some extra cash for school or job training. The Soroptimist International of Staten Island is handing out grants to help these women reach their goals. The deadline to apply is November 15. The application can be found online at soroptimistsi. org/live-your-dream. The grant can be used for tuition, books, childcare, transportation, or other costs related to education or training. The local winners will then have the chance to compete at the regional level for up to $5, 000 more. The president of Soroptimist International of Staten Island, Tina Bilcher-Murphy, said that education and training can boost women's confidence, improve their lives, and help their communities. The Live Your Dream Award gives out over $2. 8 million in grants every year to women who are heads of households and in need of financial support. Since the program started in 1972, it has given out over $35 million to help women and their families. A study by The Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania found that the program helps recipients improve their quality of life, build confidence, and often inspires them to help others. Soroptimist International of Staten Island is part of a global volunteer organization that empowers women and girls through education and training. The organization relies on donations to fund its programs.