Soroptimist International groups in Coupeville and Oak Harbor have money to give — to qualified applicants, of course. The awards have a few things in common: they are for women to further their education and the deadline to apply is Dec. 15.

Soroptimist International of Coupeville is seeking qualified applicants for their Women’s Opportunity Awards Program. The club will be awarding $1,000 and will submit the winning application to the Soroptimist International of the Americas where the award can be as high as $10,000.

The program is designed to provide assistance to women who wish to improve their skills with training and education to upgrade their employment status. The women may use the award to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education — including books, child care and car fare.

Qualified applicants must be the head of their households or have a family financially dependent upon them, show financial need and indicate that specific educational training is necessary for entry or reentry into the job market.

The deadline for filing the application is Dec. 15. Members of the Coupeville Soroptimists are willing to help with the application process. If you know of a qualified Coupeville applicant, please contact Carmen McFadyen at 678-5254.

Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor is seeking applications for three monetary grants for local women.

The Women’s Opportunity Award is a cash scholarship of $1,000 offered to a woman in the Oak Harbor area who wants to further her education for entry or re-entry into the work force.

The applicant must be head of a household, or have a family dependent upon her income.

The Violet Richardson Award is a $750 award available to a high school student who has demonstrated her ability to lead and display a clear sense of purpose and integrity. To qualify she must have taken an active part in home, school and community, with an emphasis in volunteer activity. Also, $500 will be given to a charity of the recipient’s choosing.

Local winners of these awards will become eligible for regional and national competitions.

A $750 award is offered to any high school senior who intends to further training by attending a vocational technical school or community college.

The cash award will be deposited at the recipient’s school of choice, for use towards tuition, books or supplies. Applicants will be judged on financial need, aptitude and reason for seeking the training.

Applications are available from the Oak Harbor High School office, Skagit Valley College, DSHS, CADA and the Oak Harbor Library. Applications must be received by Dec. 15.

If you know of someone who would be a good candidate please let them know about these opportunities.

For more information on any of the Oak Harbor awards, call Terri Neilon, 679-5180, or Peggy Whitford, 675-1449.