Women in the Pahrump Valley who are the primary wage earners for their families and are pursuing education or training have an important opportunity this fall. Soroptimist International of Pahrump Valley has opened applications for the Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women, a program that provides direct financial assistance to women striving to build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
Applications are now being accepted through November 15 at www.liveyourdream.org, or by contacting local chairperson Candace Hunt at 415-314-7040. “My sole focus is to reach as many women as possible and encourage them to apply,” Hunt explained. “This is about getting resources directly into the hands of women who are working hard to support their families while pursuing education or training that will improve their lives.”
The Live Your Dream Awards are unique because they are not limited to tuition alone. Recipients can use the funds for books, childcare, transportation, technology, or any other expenses that often create barriers to completing education or training. “We don’t call it a scholarship—we call it an award,” Hunt said. “The money goes directly to the woman. We trust her to know best what she needs, whether that’s a laptop for school, childcare, or gas to get to class. That flexibility makes a huge difference.”
Last year, Soroptimist Pahrump Valley awarded a total of $6,000 among five local women. While the exact budget for 2025 has not been finalized, Hunt confirmed it will be at least that amount. Each local award winner also has the chance to advance to the Soroptimist Region level, where they could receive up to $5,000 more. The program culminates at the international level, where three finalists each receive $10,000 awards.
Jessica Bliss $1,500, Stephanie Lopez $500
Since the program’s inception in 1972, Soroptimist has provided more than $40 million in Live Your Dream Awards, helping tens of thousands of women worldwide. A study by the University of Pennsylvania’s Fels Institute of Government confirmed the program’s impact, noting that recipients experience improved quality of life, greater confidence, and stronger self-determination. Many go on to pay it forward by supporting others in their communities.
For Hunt, who has been a Soroptimist member for a few years and is now chairing a committee for the first time, the mission is clear. “This award is about empowerment. When women have their own financial stability, they have independence and the ability to make choices for themselves and their children. That’s how we break cycles of dependency and abuse. It’s about creating safety, opportunity, and freedom.”
Soroptimist International of Pahrump Valley was founded in 2006 and is part of Soroptimist International of the Americas, a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to education and training to achieve economic empowerment. The Pahrump Valley club is one of many across the globe that powers this program, giving women in their own communities the tools they need to succeed.
Hunt is also quick to note the importance of sharing success stories. “Hearing from past recipients is what really connects with potential applicants. When women see that someone local—someone like them—benefited from this award, they can imagine themselves applying and succeeding too.”
The deadline to apply is November 15. Women who are heads of household and seeking financial assistance to continue their education or training are encouraged to apply now at www.liveyourdream.org or by contacting Candace Hunt at 415-314-7040.
