Zonta Club of Santa Clarita is not only a source of information for various topics but it is also a source for scholarships and grants.

Accolades and thank you to the Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) community for attending and supporting Zonta’s Tribute to Women – 2016 honoring Dr. Dianne Van Hook, Chancellor of the Santa Clarita Community in November.

Brian Hoffman, an SCV magician and member of the Magic Castle, receives Zonta’s gratitude and appreciation for providing VIP tickets to the castle for the live auction. Donations such as Brian’s supported this major fundraising event which makes possible Zonta’s programs, scholarships and grants throughout the coming year as detailed below.

Monthly LifeForward workshops are provided for Zonta’s target audience encompassing single mothers, victims of domestic violence, returning women veterans, emancipated foster children and anyone who can benefit from the topics presented.

These workshops are designed to empower and assist women to become self-sufficient by providing skills and information to effectively communicate, understand and file taxes, eat healthy and other timely topics. A weekly Girl’s Robotics for girls in 4th, 5th and 6th grades help the girls at the Newhall Boys & Girls Club build and program Lego robots to increases STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) skills and knowledge.

Scholarships and grants are offered to women and girls. Young Women in Public Affairs and Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarships are awarded at the local level, with an opportunity to be selected for awards at the District 9 and Zonta International (ZI) levels. The Virginia Wrage and Community grants are offered by the Club. All scholarships and grants are designed to “advance the status of women” locally and worldwide.

Zonta’s Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) Award is presented to women who are pre-university or pre-college students (ages 16-19). The program recognizes young women for their leadership skills in volunteer activities and encourages continued participation in government, public policy, and political life. Applications are due on or before March 21, 2017.

Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship is awarded to women pursuing undergraduate or Master’s degrees in business management to help women become business leaders and overcome gender barriers from the classroom to the boardroom. Young women who will be completing at least their second year of college leading to a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business-related fields are invited to apply. Applications are due on or before April 14, 2017.

The Virginia Wrage Memorial Fund was established in 1995 for mature women who are at a crossroad and need assistance following a life-altering event. Some are victims of domestic abuse or single mothers, and struggle to complete G.E.D.’s or college degrees to support themselves and their children. Grants and scholarships are awarded to deserving women in the SCV area. Applications are due March 31, 2107.

Zonta’s Community Grants are available to local non-profit organizations to assist with a project or program whose mission is to promote and empower women and girls. Applications are due April 24, 2017.

Award presentations will be made to 2017 recipients at the Zonta Awards Event on May 11, 2017 at the Embassy Suites, 28508 Westinghouse Place, Santa Clarita, CA 91355. Additional information about Zonta’s scholarships and grants is available at www.scvzonta.org.

For information about Zonta or awards identified above, contact Phyllis Walker at 661-251-1172.