# Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award

Award for women aged 16-19 with a record of volunteering and civic leadership; 37 international awards of US$5,000 are given each year through local Zonta clubs and districts. The 2027 cycle opens in July 2027.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Zonta International |
| Category | leadership |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 11–12 |
| Format | Online / virtual |
| Location | Various |
| Apply | https://www.zonta.org/Web/Programs/Education/Young_Women_in_Public_Affairs_Award.aspx |

## About this program

# Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award

Zonta International, a global service organization focused on the status of women, has run this award since 1990 under the name Young Women in Public Affairs; it is now the Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award. It recognizes young women aged 16 to 19 for leadership and commitment to public service and civic causes, and encourages them to stay engaged in public and political life. Zonta International offers 37 international awards of US$5,000, with club- and district-level awards below them; more than 1,165 awards totaling over US$1.8 million have gone to 993 young women from 60 countries.

## What You'll Do

- Locate the Zonta club nearest you using the Club Locator, or contact Zonta International headquarters - every application must start with a club
- Submit application materials to that club by its printed deadline, since deadlines are set locally
- Document active commitment to volunteerism, experience in local government, student government, or workplace leadership, and volunteer leadership achievements
- Show knowledge of Zonta International and its programs and support for its mission
- If selected at club level, advance to district and then international judging

## Who Should Apply

Women aged 16 to 19 on 1 April of the award year who live in a Zonta district or are citizens of a Zonta country. Z Club and Golden Z Club members are eligible. Previous district and international recipients may not reapply.

## Outcomes

International awardees receive US$5,000 toward their education and recognition within a worldwide network of women leaders and Zonta clubs.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award?

Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award is open to high school students in grades 11–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award online or in person?

Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award is fully online — students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

### How do I apply to Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award?

Apply directly through Zonta International's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

---

Last updated: 2026-07-28.
Canonical page: https://extracurricularhub.com/extracurriculars/zonta-young-women-in-leadership-award
Source: ExtracurricularHub (https://extracurricularhub.com) — a free directory of 1,900+ verified extracurricular programs for high school students. Cite the canonical page above; always confirm binding details on the program's official site.