SCHOLARSHIPS

• The Amelia Earhart Fellowship – expands opportunities for women pursuing advanced studies in the typically male-dominated fields of aerospace engineering and space sciences. 30 – $10,000 fellowships are awarded each year.
• The Women in Business Leadership Award supports women pursuing undergraduate and master’s degrees in business management
• The Women in STEM Award encourages women to pursue education, career opportunities and leadership roles in technology and related fields.
• The Young Women in Leadership Award recognizes young women, ages 16-19, who demonstrate superior leadership skills and a commitment to public service and civic causes and encourages them to continue their participation in public and political life.

In addition to the above scholarships the Zonta Club of Melbourne also supports the following scholarships:

• Zonta/Meehan Scholarship encourage women entrepreneurs to improve their business through weVENTURE’s programs and services distributed by Florida Tech Women’s Business Center.
• Zonta/EDC Manufacturing Certification is for women to become proficient in foundational skills for the manufacturing industry administered through Eastern Florida State College.
• Zonta/Yellow Dog Café Culinary Scholarship encourages women to pursue a career in the culinary arts.

Armani founded Hired Behind Bars, from her personal experiences with three of her siblings incarcerated at different times in their lives. She saw firsthand how hard it was for them to rebuild their lives and seek employment. Her goal is to help formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate back into the community with skills and opportunities needed to ensure a fresh start back into society. Many formerly incarcerated individuals are highly skilled and motivated, however are often denied opportunities because of their past.

She is truly passionate about this organization and her compassion and perseverance in pursuing her commitments to this important work. Armani’s drive, heart and leadership prove that greatness is built through service, excellence and purpose. Her humility and compassion for others sets her apart from others. Her future academic journey is to become an international criminal defense lawyer and enact systemic change in the justice system.

(photo of Armani and Principal, Denise Catherine Stewart)

Armani won a $2500 scholarship at the Club level.

2026 Zonta/Yellow Dog Culinary Scholarship Winner – Rebecca Nies
Rebecca Nies completed her WSET2 certification and continues to remain committed to deepening her knowledge of wine with the intention of pursuing WSET3. She is motivated by personal advancement and by the desire to represent producers with integrity, particularly female winemakers, family-owned estates and sustainably farmed vineyards. As she continues this journey she is able to contribute positively to the wine community and to serve as a thoughtful advocate within the industry.

Rebecca won a $2500 scholarship.

SPONSORS