Young Women in Public Affairs Awards (YWPA)
Young Women in Public Affairs Award (YWPA)
Established in 1990 by Past International President Leneen Forde, the Young Women in Public Affairs Award honors young women of age 16 to 19, who demonstrate a commitment to leadership in public policy, government and volunteer organizations. The program operates at the Zonta club, district/region and international levels. Zonta clubs provide an award for club recipients, and district/region and international awards are funded by the Zonta International Foundation. District recipients receive US$1,000, and ten international recipients are selected from the district/region recipients to receive an award of US$4,000 each.
Eligibility
Women of any nationality who are students of age 16-19 on 1 April each year, studying and living, or working in a Zonta district/region and who demonstrate evidence of the following are eligible to apply. Note that applicants from geographic areas where no clubs are located will be considered and also eligible for the District/Region Award.
- Active commitment to volunteerism
- Experience in local or student government
- Volunteer leadership achievements
- Knowledge of Zonta International and its programs
- Advocating in Zonta International’s mission of advancing the status of women worldwide
Application Process
The application must start with a Zonta club. All application materials must be received at a Zonta club by the printed deadline that is usually at the end of January or mid of February each year. Zonta clubs select one application to send to the district governor/region representative. A district/region evaluating committee reviews the applications and selects one applicant per district/region to submit to Zonta International Headquarters. The Zonta International YWPA Committee recommends ten international recipients from the district applications to the Zonta International Board. After approval by the Zonta International Board, the Zonta International Foundation provides awards and certificates to the district and international recipients.
Please locate a Zonta Club near you and ask for the application forms. On Club level the application can be written in your native language. On District level the application has to be translated into English.