Zonta Club offers total of $20K cash assistance through 5 awards, scholarships

Zonta Club of Hilo’s 2026 awards and scholarships available for women are now outlined online.

“Our club is pleased to offer a total of $20,000 in cash assistance this year,” said Zonta Club of Hilo President Laurie Higashi in an announcement about the available funds. “We encourage women in applicable fields and majors to apply for these five awards and scholarships.”

Young Women in Leadership Award

This award encourages young women ages 16 to 19 as of April 1 to participate in leadership positions by honoring the candidate’s commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of volunteer leadership achievements and dedication to building a better world for women and girls through service and advocacy. Application deadline is Feb. 1.

Barbra An Pleadwell Scholarship

This scholarship is for Hawai‘i Island or O‘ahu residents enrolled as full-time students in college/university or high school seniors. Preference is given to women’s studies and/or communications majors, who demonstrate financial need. Application deadline is March 1.

Women’s Nursing Degree Scholarship

This scholarship is for women who demonstrate interest in continuing their nursing studies toward an advanced degree or leadership track. It is open to women of any age; students must be enrolled full-time in their first year of a nursing degree program at University of Hawai‘i at Hilo or Hawai‘i Community College, with a 3.0 or better grade-point average. Application deadline is April 1.

Women in Business Leadership Award

This award celebrates excellence and honors outstanding achievements by women between ages 18 to 35 years old, who are driving innovation and creating an impact in the business world. This prestigious award honors exceptional leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, ethical conduct and significant contributions while addressing global or local issues affecting women and girls or climate justice. Application deadline is April 15.

Women in STEM Award

This award uplifts innovation and celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of women between ages 18 to 35 years old in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. It acknowledges their groundbreaking research, pioneering discoveries and/or exemplary contributions to advancing knowledge and innovation in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics field. Application deadline is May 1.

Winners of the Young Women in Leadership, Women in Business Leadership and Women in STEM awards will advance from the club level to compete for additional awards at Zonta’s district and international levels.

Zonta Club of Hilo is a member of Zonta International, which has a mission to build a better world for women and girls.