Leadership

We support and celebrate non-profits and individuals that align with Zonta’s mission of advancing the status of women through service and advocacy with a variety of scholarships and awards throughout the community.

 

Awards

  • Outstanding Woman Leader

    The OWL Award recognizes the contributions of a woman in our community for her work in the areas of community service, outstanding achievement, or special contributions to womankind.

    Zonta Club of Traverse City presents the Outstanding Woman Leader (OWL) award every May at the Hats Off to Women Luncheon. The woman chosen for this award represents the mission of Zonta—to make a world of difference, right here.

    The call for nominations is made every spring. Eligible candidates must live in the Grand Traverse region. They do not need to be Zontians, but must be nominated by a Zonta member.

    Please check back in early 2024 to apply.

    View 2023 Application

  • Young Women in Public Affairs

    The goal of the Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) program is to encourage more young women to participate in public and political life by recognizing a young woman’s commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of volunteer leadership achievements and a dedication to the advancement of the status of women.

    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 positions in public policymaking, government, and volunteer organizations. This $1,000 award supports young women in that pursuit.

    Women who apply should demonstrate:

    -Evidence of active commitment to volunteerism.

    -Evidence of volunteer leadership achievements.

    -Evidence of international awareness

    -Evidence of dedication to advancing the status of women worldwide

    Applicants must be pre-university or pre-college students aged 16-19 years old.

    Please check back in early 2024 to apply.

    View 2023 Application

  • American Legion Girls State

    Through this award, Zonta sponsors one high school girl, who has completed her Junior year, to spend an intensive week at Michigan State University learning first-hand how state and local government works.

    Please click the button below to link to the American Legion scholarship page.

    Learn More

  • ATHENA Grand Traverse

    The Zonta Club of Traverse City no longer hosts the ATHENA Awards.

    Please click the button below to connect with the new ATHENA hosts, the AAUW Traverse City Branch.

    Visit AAUW

Scholarships

 

The Scholarship for Change Committee was pleased to receive a total of 32 applications for the 2022 scholarship awards.

Choosing to award up to half the funds this semester we chose 3 applicants to receive $1,450 to assist with their education journey.

Two of the recipients are several years post-high school graduation and balancing parenting, employment and education responsibilities. All 3 of the students are in either the nursing degree or pre-nursing program. They requested funds for assistance with child care, cover academic cost gaps and transportation.

Amelia Earhart Scholarship

Since 1938, Zonta International has been honoring this famed aviator member by providing women pursuing doctoral degrees in aerospace, aerospace-related sciences, or aerospace-related engineering with scholarships. Earhart was a beloved member of Zonta and it’s the only non-flight organization she engaged with as a member.

In honor of her accomplishments and her spirit of empowering women, the Zonta Club of Traverse City offers a $1,000 scholarship to a woman who is currently enrolled in any Aviation, Marine Technology, Engineering Technology, Unmanned Aerial Systems, STEM program or specialization Associates degrees Program at NMC. A GPA average of 2.5 or higher is required to qualify. Applications become available early in the year. Please check back in early 2024 to apply.

 

Ann Mapes Scholarship

This $2,500 scholarship is awarded annually through the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation to a local woman pursuing a degree in business or science. The purpose of this scholarship is to improve the status of women in the Grand Traverse Area consistent with Ann’s values and the Zonta Club’s mission. Applications are available January 15 and the submission deadline is March 1. The winner is announced at our Hats Off to Women Luncheon in May.

Opportunity for Change Scholarship

Zonta supports female students attending Northwestern Michigan College through our Opportunity for Change scholarship program. Interested students can apply through the NMC Financial Aid Office or the Women’s Resource Center.

Need more information?
Contact us.

If you have questions or need more information regarding the Zonta awards and scholarships, please reach out. We are happy to provide more information.