Dr. Bertha Barriga Scholarship Award
This award honors a former member, Dr. Bertha Barriga, with two $5,000 scholarships to women enrolled in dental/oral health programs in the Seattle area. Dr. Barriga immigrated to Seattle from Bolivia to study dentistry at the University of Washington. She practiced and taught pediatric dentistry.
Applicants must reside in the Puget Sound area and be a new or continuing student with excellent references and financial need. Eligible programs of study include dentistry, dental hygiene and dental assistant. Two reference letters, a personal statement and school transcripts must be submitted with the application.
Application deadline is November 15, 2025.
Instructions and application form (PDF)*
The application should be downloaded and saved to your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Then, complete the application electronically and sent it to our email as an attachment OR it can be printed, completed, and mailed to SISM.
Avys Hathaway Scholarship Endowment Award
This award, in honor of Avys Hathaway, a dedicated Soroptimist Seattle member, is unique to the Seattle club. The $5,000 award is granted to women who are a single parent or head of household, pursuing a bachelor’s or graduate degree, who live in the Puget Sound region.
Application deadline is November 15.
Read about our Award Winners
Live Your Dream! Award
This award provides monetary assistance to women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families. Each year, more than $2.4 million in education grants are awarded to over 1,500 women, worldwide, many of whom have overcome enormous obstacles. Soroptimist Seattle-Metro gives awards based on the need and quality of the application. The SISM club award is $5,000.
Winners at the club level are automatically considered for the regional level award. Award amounts vary.
Application deadline is November 15th.
For more information and to apply, please visit: Soroptimist.org
Read about our Award Winners
Secret Shopper
Holiday Giving Program
During the holidays, SISM partners with the City of Seattle, Aging and Disability Services to provide holiday gifts for disadvantaged senior women. Our personal touches to make the gifts special enrich their holidays and are hand-delivered. For 20 years, this holiday program has been providing gifts for senior women in need in our community.
Dream it. Be it.
Career Support for Girls
This program is focused on giving girls the tools they need to achieve their education and career goals, empowering them to break cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse.