So many of us live our lives in baby steps. Some have the courage to take a giant leap. We help those who have that courage.

If you are the primary financial support for your family; if you have been accepted into or are currently enrolled in a vocational/skills or undergraduate program; if you need financial help to continue your learning—you may qualify for the Live Your Dream grant program.

If you know a woman who is in this category, please let her know that we want to help. Click the link below for the application and reference forms. Annual deadline is November 15. Grant monies may be used for anything that supports the applicant’s efforts, including ferry tickets or electric bills!

CLOSED

Applications will open in August 2026.

2026 LYD Recipient Courtney

North Kitsap Soroptimist look forward to getting to know this year’s Live Your Dream award winner, Courtney.

Courtney is a student at Olympic College, studying Information Technology/Networking with a focus in Cybersecurity. Her dream is to become a leader in Management Information Systems. Specializing in IT project management, or ERP consulting. “I would like to help organizations implement secure, efficient systems while opening doors for more women in technology and leadership.” As a single mother Courtney has earned over 100 credits while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Courtney is currently working on her AAS-T for Information Technology Networking with plans to finish in the Fall of 2026. Then she will transfer to Washington State University’s Management information Systems program. Courtney attributes the catalyst for her pivotal change in her life style to her brothers statement “ what you are doing at this moment, fighting to survive, is far harder than anything I have ever had to do in my career so far.” Courtney felt like someone saw the fight in her, even when she was unable to to fully see it herself. She worked on recovery, facing the consequences of her past, and taking responsibility for the life she was rebuilding.

2026 Dream Award Recipient Sierra Savanah

Kitsap Soroptimist were happy to be able to present a Dream Award to Sierra Savanah.

Sierra is a single mother, currently a student at Olympic College, studying Organizational Leadership and Technical Management.

At 34 having learned she had an intellectual disability and received treatment, Sierra enrolled in college, “just to try.” This award is not only based on need, the recipients have faced difficulties beyond financial hardships. Overcoming these difficulties and showing a determination to success is what places Sierra in the Soroptimist Dreams program. One of Sierra’s instructors stated “ She (Sierra) exemplifies living her dream as she has been working toward earning this degree despite obstacles. She will not give up and continues to inspire others along the way.” .

2025 LYD Recipient Ashley

Ashley is currently enrolled at Olympic College, working on her prerequisites for the nursing program at Olympic College.

Her dream is to become a nurse on a psychiatric floor. “I would be able to give back to people in very similar places to where I have been. My ultimate goal is to be the light I wish I had on my darkest days.”

Ashley is currently working and maintaining her class load at Olympic College. Her position deals with young students who have multiple disabilities or behavioral struggles. While these students are not always the easiest to work with, a coworker says she shows determination, flexibility, and compassion, “showing up every day with a smile…, ready to make a difference.”

2024 LYD Recipient Kayla

My name is Kayla, a mother to two amazing children, and someone who continues to push for her dreams. My children are my world, and they are the reason I continue to fight for a better life! Six years ago, I was ‘unhoused’ living in a tent, in the middle of Tacoma, and on the verge of giving up. I have had to overcome adversity most of my life, but it has only made me who I am today. Today, I am currently in the RN program at Olympic College accomplishing goals I never thought were possible. I have been able to maintain a 3.9 overall GPA during prerequisites and the RN program, achieving the President’s list every quarter. Every single day I wake up I am grateful for where I am in life today. My main hope is to inspire others who are struggling and reinforce the idea that anything is possible. I want to become a nurse to advocate for the most vulnerable populations of people and make a change in my community. We have a lot of needs in our area that are being overlooked and I am here for that help and change. I would love to continue to pursue my dreams of becoming a nurse practitioner and possibly have a role in politics to make some real changes in the community regarding those suffering from SUD. I have a lot of big dreams and I am honored that I was chosen by the North Kitsap Soroptimist. We need to show each other kindness and continue to advocate for those who need us most!

2023 LYD Recipient Michelle

Michelle is a current student at UW Tacoma, studying to become a social worker,while a single mom of three young children all with special needs. Michelle was a foster parent and her children were adopted from foster care. Michelle’s experiences and challenges have only made her more devoted to helping other parents, foster parents and children deal with similar problems by obtaining her dream job.