About

Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is the largest and oldest national scholarship program for high school girls. It has provided life-changing experiences for more than 775,000 young women across the country and more than $112 million in cash scholarships at the local, state and national levels. In addition to cash scholarships, Distinguished Young Women participants are eligible for college-granted scholarships from over 100 colleges and universities. More than $1 billion in college scholarship opportunities were provided last year, some of which included full tuition, room, and board to first-class institutions.

All participants also take part in Distinguished Young Women’s Life Skills Workshops to gain skills that will serve them well in our program and in life beyond high school. Our core workshops include interviewing skills, public speaking and Be Your Best Self (our outreach program which stresses making positive choices for yourself and your future). Watch videos on these topics and many more on our YouTube channel.

Many participants leave the program with scholarships to help them with their college educations, but all of them walk away with friendships, life skills and increased self-confidence. Distinguished Young Women strives to give every young woman the opportunity to further her education and prepare for a successful future.

Our Mission

To positively impact the lives of young women by providing a transformative experience that promotes and rewards scholarship, leadership and talent.

Distinguished Young Women is a national scholarship program that inspires high school girls to develop their full, individual potential through a fun, transformative experience that culminates in a celebratory showcase of their accomplishments.

By encouraging continued education and providing college scholarships

By developing self-confidence and the abilities to interview effectively, to speak in public, to perform on stage and to build interpersonal relationships

By encouraging and showcasing excellence in academic achievement, physical fitness, on-stage performance skills, and the ability to think and communicate clearly

By creating opportunities to beneficially inspire the lives of others