top of page

Scholarships

Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. Zonta was established in 1919 in Buffalo, New York, USA and has nearly 33,000 members belonging to more than 1,200 clubs in 67 countries and geographic areas. Olean Zonta is one of the oldest Zonta Clubs in existence, having recently celebrated our 93rd anniversary. Currently Olean Zonta has 40 members and engages in more than 15 service projects each year, donating over 15,000 to area organizations serving women.

Continuing Education Scholarship
 

The Continuing Education Scholarship is a financial assistance award for women seeking a degree in preparation for a professional career. One scholarship in the amount of $1000 will be awarded. The scholarship may be used at any university, college or institute offering accredited courses and degrees.

 

Who is eligible?

Women of any nationality pursuing an advanced degree after receiving their bachelor’s degree, age 23 or older, enrolled in an accredited degree program are eligible. Members of Zonta International are not eligible to apply.

​

Requirements:

  • Demonstrate intent to complete a degree program and/or show satisfactory achievement as recorded on a university/college/institution transcript or acceptance letter.

  • Write a response of no more than 200 words that answers one of the essay questions enclosed with the application.

  • Submit one confidential recommendation from a faculty member, employer, volunteer supervisor, or academic advisor. Members of Zonta International are not eligible to submit recommendations.

Apply for the Continuing Education Scholarship

In addition to completing the form above, please write a response of no more than 200 words that answers one of the following essay questions:

  1. Describe how you have helped other women in your life. Share examples from one or more of these areas: Daily life, community activities, student activities, career, etc.

  2. Describe how other women have helped or are helping in your life. Share examples from one or more of these areas: Daily life, community activities, student activities, career, etc.

  3. In what way do you hope your current or future career may enhance the status of women – Locally, nationally and/or internationally?

Non-Traditional Student Scholarship
 

General Information


Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the
status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. Zonta was established in 1919 in Buffalo, New
York, USA and has nearly 33,000 members belonging to more than 1,200 clubs in 67 countries and geographic
areas. Olean Zonta is one of the oldest Zonta Clubs in existence, having recently celebrated our 93 rd
anniversary. Currently Olean Zonta has 40 members and engages in more than 15 service projects each year,
donating over 15,000 to area organizations serving women.


The Scholarship


The Non-Traditional Student Scholarship is a financial assistance award for women seeking a degree in
preparation for a professional career. One scholarship in the amount of $1000 will be awarded. The
scholarship may be used at any university, college or institute offering accredited courses and degrees.


Who is Eligible
Women of any nationality who did not receive a standard high school diploma, but reported completing high
school through a GED, or who did not register for further education after graduation but are now enrolled in
an accredited degree program are eligible. Members of Zonta International are not eligible to apply.

​

The Requirements


- Demonstrate intent to complete a degree program and/or show satisfactory achievement as recorded
on a university/college/institution transcript or acceptance letter.
- Write a response of no more than 200 words that answers one of the essay questions enclosed with
the application
- Submit one confidential recommendation from a faculty member, employer, volunteer supervisor, or
academic advisor. Members of Zonta International are not eligible to submit recommendations.

​

​

Zonta Club of Olean Non-Traditional Student Scholarship

Date of Birth
Month
Day
Year
Degree Sought

Estimated Financial Need

Scholarship Essay Questions

Please write a response of no more than 200 words that answers one of the following essay questions:



  1. Describe how you have helped other women in your life. Share examples from one or more of these areas: Daily life, community activities, student activities, career, etc.

  2. Describe how other women have helped or are helping in your life. Share examples from one or more of these areas: Daily life, community activities, student activities, career, etc.

  3. In what way do you hope your current or future career may enhance the status of women – Locally, nationally and/or internationally?

Young Women in Leadership Award
 

The goal of the Young Women in Leadership Award Program is to encourage young women to participate in public affairs by recognizing a commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of volunteer leadership achievements, and a dedication to empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.

​

In order for more women to be represented in key decision-making positions worldwide, we must encourage young women to pursue careers or seek leadership position in public policy making, government and volunteer organizations, and further their education with these aims in view.

​

Public affairs refers to all aspects of community life where decisions have to be made about issues which relate to and affect those communities in which people work and live.

 

Who is eligible?

Women aged 16-19 on April 1 each year, living in a Zonta district/region, or who are citizens of a Zonta country who demonstrate evidence of the following are eligible to apply.

​

Requirements:

  • 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 empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.

​

Application Requirements:

  • Completion of the application - click here.

  • Verification of current enrollment by school/institute official (if applicable), or

  • Letter from employer stating employment (if applicable).

  • Two confidential recommendations from adults, not related to the applicant, such as teachers, school officials/employee supervisors or community leaders. (Must be mailed separately)

​

Application Process:

All application materials must be received by the application deadline: February 21, 2025. You may download the application here. Please complete and email to ashliedearmitt@yahoo.com or mail to: Ashlie Benz, Awards Committee Chair, 2333 Route 305, Cuba, NY 14727

​

​

​

bottom of page