The competition age to compete in the Miss America Organization (now called Miss America Opportunity) in the “Miss” division is from 18-28 years old. According to research, 42% of states in the United States report that women marry between the ages of 24-25 years old. The Miss America Opportunity is a scholarship program to women who compete and has awarded thousands of dollars to candidates. Married or not, 58% of women hold student loan debt.

When a woman decides to get married, it should not mean she is no longer eligible to compete in the Miss America Opportunity. She should not be discriminated against from the opportunity to obtain scholarships and professional skills. The contractual rule for Miss America candidates to be unmarried is outdated and sexist. Just like any other career, women are capable of having demanding leadership positions with or without being married. Please sign this petition to get the attention of the organization and to prove that women who made the decision to be married should be awarded the same opportunities as a single woman.

The Discrimination:

The fact that Miss America, finally, allows certain exceptions, like divorced or annulled women, fully transitioned women, and those who’ve given children up for adoption, BUT excludes married women, highlights an inconsistency. By pointing out these contradictions, WE are shedding light on how the current policy is unfair. We don't blame the current leadership for the discriminatory rule. Instead, we want to encourage the new CEO to make a historic change that will impact thousands. 

Throughout history, men have never been expected to choose between marriage and pursuing their dreams or career ambitions—they’ve been allowed to have both. Even in 2025, that remains true. But for women, the same opportunity is often denied. Why must women be forced to choose between their dreams and love? It’s unfair, and it’s time for this outdated rule to change.

The Miss Universe Pageant (different from Miss America) made the executive decision in 2022 to include married women in their competitions. By doing so, participation became more relevant and inspiring to all. It was an empowering move that was supported by many AND got the national attention of multiple major media outlets that put pageantry back on the map.

We can only hope the Miss America Opportunity will do the same. We are wanting them to include ALL women. Besides, they advertise that Miss America can be "whatever she wants to be". If that is the case, she can be a married woman too.

Why is this important?
For those that might think there are other organizations such as Mrs. America, Miss USA, Mrs United States to compete in, you're misinformed. Yes, married women can compete in those organizations but they give very little to no scholarship money IF you win a national title and most of these systems exclude a talent portion.

The Miss America Opportunity claims to be one of the leading organizations to provide scholarships for women. However, married women are forced to sit out during their years of age eligibility and be discriminated against due to an old rule that is not fair and quite frankly NOT empowering.

The Miss America Opportunity is a wonderful program that can really mold women into professionals but why not allow this mentorship and experience to married women? After all, most of the former employees/board members who ran the "empowering" and historic organization were married women (and men) themselves. If they can do it, so can we!!!