Three women standing indoors, one holding a certificate.

Woman in blue dress speaking at a podium with a microphone.

Portrait of a smiling woman with glasses framed by yellow roses.

Celebrating Women Leadership Awards

The Zonta Club of Milwaukee offers award opportunities for young women and college students living in and/or attending accredited schools in southeastern Wisconsin including: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Racine and Kenosha counties.

A brief overview of each of these scholarships is presented below, with links to their respective applications. Additional information and details about all awards can be found on the Zonta International website.

Should you have any additional questions about these scholarships, please contact us at zcscholarship@zontamilwaukee.org

Zonta Women in STEM Award

$2,000 + $10,000

Eligibility

Women, aged 18-35 at the time of application, who demonstrate groundbreaking research, pioneering discoveries, and/or exemplary contributions to advancing knowledge and innovation in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) field of study or industry, are eligible to apply. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Designated Degree Program List can be used to determine if your field of study is eligible: ice.gov/sites/default/files/documents/stem-list.pdf.

Application Requirements

Completion of the official application, including essay, (maybe downloaded from the Zonta International website, www.zonta.org).
Verification of current enrollment by school/institute official (if applicable), or letter from employer verifying employment (if applicable). The letter from the employer must be on letterhead with signature from the employer stating the applicant’s date of hire and job title.
Two recommendations from adults, not related to the applicant, such as teachers, school officials, or employee supervisors, which must be sent directly to the Zonta club or district and not through the applicant.
Currently be employed (if applicable), enrolled as a full-time student (if applicable) or have legal residency (if applicable) in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington, Ozaukee, Racine, or Kenosha counties.

How May I Use the Award Funds?

Zonta Club of Milwaukee Details

The Zonta Club of Milwaukee awards one $2,000 scholarship. The winner’s application is sent on to Zonta District 6, which selects one application to be forwarded to Zonta International for consideration of a $10,000 award.
The Zonta Women in STEM Award application is available now. Completed applications are due on or before October 15, 2025. Only TYPED applications will be accepted and considered. If the school stamp is embossed on the Enrollment Verification Form, lightly shade it with a pencil prior to submitting the application electronically.

The PDF application can be found here, and additional information on the Zonta International Website here: https://www.zonta.org/.

The award is shown as 2026 due to the timing of the final awards given out by Zonta International. Please note that the Zonta Club of Milwaukee STEM Award will be given in November 2025.

The Zonta Women in STEM Award full description can be found here.

2025 Women in Business Leadership Award

$2,000 + $10,000

Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award flyer.

Eligibility

Application Requirements

Completion of the official application, including essay.
Two recommendations from adults, not related to the applicant, such as teachers, school officials, employee supervisors or business leaders, which must be sent directly to the Zonta club or district and not through the applicant.
Currently be employed (if applicable), enrolled as a full time student (if applicable) or have legal residency (if applicable) in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington, Ozaukee, Racine, or Kenosha counties.

How May I Use the Award Funds?

There are no restrictions on the use of funds. Please note: If the applicant is studying at a secondary school, university or college, Zonta International is offering a “scholarship” type of payment to be used for tuition and/or living expenses.
Recipients are not permitted to defer the Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award.
Recipients may accept additional grants and awards from other sources.

Zonta Club of Milwaukee Details

The Zonta Club of Milwaukee provides one $2,000 award. The winner’s application is sent on to Zonta District 6, which selects one application to be forwarded to Zonta International for consideration of a $10,000 award.
The 2025 Women in Business Leadership Award application is now closed. Completed 2025 applications were due on or before July 1, 2025.
Only TYPED applications will be accepted and considered. If the school stamp is embossed on the Enrollment Verification Form, lightly shade it with a pencil prior to submitting the application electronically.
The PDF application can be found here or on the Zonta International Website.

2025 Women in Business Leadership Award Application Milwaukee Application

2025 The Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award

$2,000 + $5,000

Aimed at young women ages 16 to 19, pursuing education, careers or seeking leadership positions in public policymaking, government, and volunteer organizations, are eligible for the Zonta International Young Women in Leadership Award.
Applicants must show their commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of volunteer leadership achievements and a dedication to building a better world for women and girls through service and advocacy.
The Zonta Club of Milwaukee awards one $2,000 award and forwards the winner’s application on to Zonta District 6, which may submit one application for consideration of one of 37 Zonta International awards of $5,000 each.
Zonta Club of Milwaukee awards are open, and promoted, to young women in the six-county greater Milwaukee metro area (Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington, Ozaukee, Racine, and Kenosha counties).
The 2025 Young Women in Leadership Award application is now closed. Completed applications were due on or before March 15, 2025. The PDF application can be found here .