The Program

Distinguished Young Women is a unique program that combines the chance to win college scholarships with a program that offers Life Skills training to prepare young women for the world after high school. Each year we make over $1.1 billion dollars in scholarships available and it costs nothing to enter!

The program takes place in all 50 states and Washington DC with some states having local programs as well. Young women participate in either their junior or senior year of high school, so check the web page of your state or local program to make sure you don’t miss out. Apply now to find out!

Each Distinguished Young Women program evaluates participants in the following categories: Scholastics (25%), Interview (25%), Talent (20%), Fitness (15%), and Self-Expression (15%). Local program winners, in states where locals are available, advance to the state level. All state winners participate in the National Finals which is held in Mobile, Alabama the June after you graduate from high school.

In addition, through our Life Skills program, which includes workshops and online resources, participants can learn skills like interviewing, public speaking, self-confidence building and much more. These skills not only prepare everyone for our program but also for the world after high school and college. Check out our online resources on our YouTube channel.

And remember, it is always free to enter!

For information specific to your state’s Distinguished Young Women program or the National Finals competition, select from the menu on the right.

Or apply now and your program will get in touch with you!