Applications for the 2016 Young Women in Public Affairs Award are now available from the Zonta Club of Austin.

The goal of the Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) program is to encourage more young women to participate in public and political life by recognizing a young woman’s (age 16-20) commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of volunteer leadership achievements and a dedication to the advancement of the status of women.

Applicants are asked to reflect on their lives, their commitment to the communities in which they live, and the role models that have inspired them to become involved in their community or in a specific prospective career. The Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs program looks to the young women of today for the leaders of tomorrow.

Applications are due to: Zonta Club of Austin — 1411 1st Ave SW — Austin, MN 55912 by Feb. 12. Applicants must be pre-university or pre-college students (age 16-20). Contact Mary Jo Follmuth either by email at austinmnzonta@hotmail.com or phone 507-433-5536 (evening) or 507-437-8773 (daytime) for more information.