Zonta promotes gender equality by encouraging girls and women to pursue education and careers in traditionally male-dominated fields, leadership positions and influential roles in society. We award scholarships, grants and prizes to talented young women and help girls access education through international projects. The Lisa Andström Scholarship is District 20’s (Finland and Estonia) own scholarship.
The next application period will be in autumn 2027.
The Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award aims to encourage young women to pursue leadership roles by recognising them for their leadership and achievements in volunteer work and their dedication to building a better world for women and girls.
Who is eligible to apply for the award?
Eligible applicants are women aged 16–19 (as of 1 April) who live in a Zonta district or are citizens of a Zonta country and who demonstrate the following:
❑ Active commitment to volunteer work
❑ Experience in local government, student government or leadership roles in the workplace (paid or unpaid)
❑ Achievements in volunteer leadership
❑ Knowledge of Zonta International and its programmes
❑ Support for Zonta International’s mission to build a better world for women and girls
Please note that applicants from geographical areas within the Zonta district that do not have clubs may apply through a Zonta e-Club or directly through the district to be eligible for international awards.
Members of Zonta clubs, direct members of Zonta International, and employees of Zonta International and the Zonta Foundation for Women are not eligible to apply for awards.
Previous district and international award recipients are not eligible to reapply for an award in a subsequent year.
The next application period will be in autumn 2027.
DESCRIPTION
The Zonta Women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) Award encourages women to pursue education, create opportunities for themselves and seek leadership positions in technical fields.
Zonta International awards 16 international scholarships worth US$10,000 each, as well as a free one-year associate membership in Zonta International for the following fiscal year.
Learn more about the scholarship here.
ELIGIBILITY
The award is open to women aged 18 to 35 who are conducting groundbreaking research and demonstrating a pioneering spirit and innovative thinking in the advancement of science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM).
You can check whether your field of study is one of the approved STEM fields on the list maintained by the US Department of Homeland Security: STEM Designated Degree Program List (PDF)
APPLICATION PROCESS
Scholarships are applied for through Zonta clubs. Applicants can find their nearest Zonta club using the Club Locator tool at zonta.org/locateaclub to obtain the deadline and address to which the application should be submitted.
Please note that applicants from Zonta areas without clubs may apply through the Zonta e-Club.
The District Scholarship Committee will select one candidate from among the applicants, whose application will be sent to Zonta International to compete for scholarships.
Only applications written in English and received by the deadline will be accepted and considered.
Applications open in autumn 2026 – please check the exact application deadline with the Zonta club through which you are applying
The Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award recognizes and encourages exceptionally accomplished young women entrepreneurs and leaders who break barriers, challenge established practices, and drive progress in their fields.
By recognizing and supporting emerging women leaders, Zonta is building a future where women have equal opportunities to influence decisions that shape workplaces, communities, and economies.
Zonta International awards 10 international Women in Business Leadership Awards, each worth US$5,000. The award also includes a complimentary one-year Supporting Membership in Zonta International for the following Zonta year.
The award is open to women aged 18–35 who demonstrate the following:
The award is applied for through Zonta clubs. Zonta clubs in Finland and Estonia can be found at www.zonta.fi/kerhot.
Please contact your nearest Zonta club to find out the club’s application deadline (deadlines may vary between clubs) and to receive further application instructions.
If there is no Zonta club near you, you may apply through the Zonta e-Club.
More information about the award can be found on the Zonta International website here.
Applications are open until November 15, 2026
The Amelia Earhart Fellowship is intended for doctoral students pursuing studies in aerospace engineering and space sciences. The fellowship provides an opportunity to broaden their research by visiting research centers abroad or to complement their studies at international universities.
Aerospace engineering and space sciences cover a wide range of research topics, from the risks associated with changes in the state of matter caused by climate change to the use of drones for civilian purposes. We encourage you to explore the research projects of the 2026 fellowship recipients.
In 2027, 30 fellowships worth US$12,000 each will be awarded. Applications must be submitted directly to Zonta International Headquarters by November 15, 2026.
Application guidelines and the application form can be found here.
