Young Women in Public Affairs Award

Scholarship Sponsored by Zonta International

Overview
The Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award (formerly called the Young Women in Public Affairs Award) honors young women ages 16–19 who show leadership and a strong dedication to public service and civic engagement, and who are likely to continue participating in public and political life.

History and scope
Since its inception in 1990, Zonta has presented 1,165 awards totaling US$1,858,750 to 993 young women representing 60 countries. At the international level, Zonta International funds 37 awards, each worth US$5,000.

Program structure and district submissions
The program is administered through Zonta clubs, districts and Zonta International. Each Zonta district may nominate one candidate for consideration for an international award. The five largest districts are permitted to submit a second nominee, allowing up to two applicants from those districts.

Application process and deadlines
All applicants must begin the process through a Zonta club. Complete application materials must be received by the Zonta club by the deadline shown on the application form. If you downloaded the form from the Zonta International website, contact a Zonta club to learn the club’s deadline. If no club contact details are printed on the form, find the nearest club with the Club Locator or send your name and contact information to Zonta International Headquarters at programs@zonta.org.

If you live in a part of a Zonta district that has no local clubs, you can still be considered for the international awards through your district.

Who is eligible
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be female and 16–19 years old on 1 April of the application year.
- Live in a Zonta district or be a citizen of a country where Zonta operates.
- Demonstrate an active commitment to volunteer service.
- Have leadership experience in local government, student government, or the workplace (paid or unpaid).
- Show volunteer leadership accomplishments.
- Be familiar with Zonta International and its programs.
- Support Zonta International’s mission of improving the lives of women and girls.

Additional eligibility notes
- Young women in geographic areas of a Zonta district without clubs may apply through a Zonta e-club or submit their application directly to the district to qualify for international consideration.
- Members of Z clubs and Golden Z clubs are eligible to apply.
- Prior district or international recipients of the Young Women in Public Affairs/Award are not eligible to apply again for the Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award or to renew the award for a second year.

Ineligible applicants and conflict of interest
Current Zonta club members, those holding direct membership with Zonta International, and employees of Zonta International or the Zonta Foundation for Women are not eligible to apply. Anyone serving on selection committees, juries, or otherwise participating in the selection process must adhere to the Zonta International Conflict of Interest Policy.

Status
The application for the 2026 Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award is now open.