Annual Awards Programs 2026

1) Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award (formerly the Young Women in Public Affairs Award) recognizes young women, ages 16-19, for demonstrating leadership skills and commitment to public service and civic causes, and encourages them to continue their participation in public and political life. More information.

The Zonta Club of Tallahassee offers an $800 prize for this award, and will pass the club's winner along to the district level. The district will choose one winner, who will be considered by Zonta International for one of 37 $5000 prizes. More information here.

Local deadline is March 15, 2026 and application must be submitted to margaretallen97@gmail.com. YWLA_Application.pdf.

2) Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award ($800 local level, 10 awards at International level of $10,00 each)

Women, aged 18-35 at the time of application, who demonstrate evidence of the following, are eligible to apply.

  • Exceptional leadership in a business-related field of study or industry.

  • Entrepreneurial spirit.

  • Ethical conduct.

  • Significant contributions to addressing global or local issues affecting women and girls or climate justice.

2026 application information coming soon.

3) The Amelia Earhart Fellowship was established in 1938 in honor of famed pilot and Zontian, Amelia Earhart. The $10,000 Fellowship is awarded annually to up to 30 women pursuing Ph.D./doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering and space sciences. It may be used at any university or college offering accredited post-graduate courses and degrees in these fields. Since the program’s inception in 1938, Zonta has awarded 1,704 Amelia Earhart Fellowships, totaling more than US$11.3 million, to 1,275 women from 76 countries.

Our Fellows have gone on to become astronauts, aerospace engineers, astronomers, professors, geologists, business owners, heads of companies, even Secretary of the US Air Force.

If you are a woman working toward a PhD. related in any way to Aerospace or Space Science, please apply for a $10,000 Amelia Earhart Fellowship directly here. Deadline is November 15, 2025.