Scholarships and Awards
Recognising women and girls
Our awards support women and girls in leadership, business, STEM, the arts and climate action — from Year 12 students to researchers building a career.
8
Awards and scholarships
16–35
Ages recognised
How we give
The club provides support through awards, rather than direct financial support.
Applications are made to the club. If you would like an application form sent to you, or you are not sure which award fits, please get in touch.
Our awards
Awards offered by our club
Ages 18–35
Women in STEM Award
Celebrating women advancing knowledge and innovation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and acknowledging their research, discoveries and contributions to a STEM field.
2025 winner Adele Pentland · runner-up Jasmine Wilson
Ages 16–19
Young Women in Leadership Award
Recognising young women who demonstrate leadership skills and a commitment to public service and civic causes. Formerly the Young Women in Public Affairs Award.
2025 winner Maya Farmer, also an international winner
Ages 18–35
Women in Business Leadership Award
Celebrating exceptional leadership, entrepreneurial spirit and ethical conduct, and significant contributions to the issues affecting women and girls or to climate justice.
$1,000 · District 23 project
Women Taking Climate Action Award
Recognising women making significant contributions to climate innovation. Started in 2021 with Zonta Says Now, and an official District 23 project since 2023.
2025 winner Sally Quinn, Green Collect
VCASS · Year 12
Frances Quinn Arts Encouragement Award
An annual award for a female Year 12 student at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, established in honour of Frances Quinn, a club member and music lover.
2025 winner Poppy Savage
Worawa Aboriginal College
First Nations Young Woman’s Leadership Award
An award for a Worawa Aboriginal College graduate who has demonstrated service and commitment, exhibits leadership amongst her peers and shows determination and resilience towards her studies.
2025 winner Taleesha Barney
Ashwood High School
Education Encouragement Award
An award for a student at Ashwood High School who has demonstrated service and commitment, exhibits leadership amongst her peers and shows determination and resilience towards her studies.
2025 winner Laura Gosbell
Zonta International
An international award we promote
Zonta International runs fellowships and awards open to women worldwide. Our club promotes them alongside our own; applications are made to Zonta International, not to the club.
Zonta International · Aerospace
Amelia Earhart Fellowship – Women in Aerospace
For women pursuing doctoral degrees in aerospace-related sciences and engineering. Awarded by Zonta International.
Support the awards
Help fund an award
Donations marked SCA go directly to our scholarships and awards, empowering young women as emerging leaders in STEM, public affairs and the arts.