MARYSVILLE —The Soroptimist International of Marysville is seeking applicants or nominations for several awards.

The Women’s Opportunity Awards are cash awards given to women who have primary financial responsibility for their families and who are seeking to improve their economic status by gaining additional skills, training or education.

The awards are not scholarships, but rather cash awards to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain high education, including tuition, books, supplies, childcare or transportation costs.

The programs starts on a local level with cash awards from $400 to $1,000. It then goes on to regional and international competitions where the award money reaches $15,000.

The deadline for the application is Dec. 15, 2008. If you are interested or know of someone who may qualify, please contact Rosie Reynaud at 360-659-0960 for more information.

Another award is Soroptimist Making a Difference for Women Award, which honors a woman who has worked to improve the lives of women and girls through her professional or volunteer work.The deadline to apply or nominate a woman you think deserves recognition for her work is Dec. 7, 2008. Contact Sally Brandenburger at 425-923-4828 for more information.

The Violet Richardson Award is awarded to a young woman between the ages of 14-17 who is engaged in volunteer action within her community or school. Through her volunteer activities she strives to make the community and world a better place. The cash award is $500 for the organization that she volunteers with and $500 for her. There is also the opportunity for additional cash awards at the regional level. The deadline for the application is Dec. 7, 2008. For more information or an application call Renae James at 425-971-0311.

Soroptimist is an international volunteer organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls. Visit www.simarysville-wa.org for more information.