Optimist International Scholarship Opportunities

Optimist International sponsors scholarships as prizes for the winners of the contests listed below. Each contest is entered through your local Optimist Club. This organization does not offer any application-based or need-based scholarships. Some individual Clubs do, but this information is not available at the International Office. All communication should be made with an Optimist Club member in your area.

International Essay Contest Topic: “I’m Unique because…”

For students under 19 years of age as of December 31, 2005, who attend school in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean. All Club contests are held BEFORE February 28, 2006. Winners progress to the next level. Club prize – medallion; District prize – plaque and a $650 college scholarship; International prize – first-place plaque, $5,000 college scholarship, trip to Optimist International Convention for winner and parents to read essay; second-place plaque, $3,000 college scholarship; third-place plaque, $2,000 college scholarship. For an application and complete contest rules, please

Oratorical Contest Topic: “My Future is Bright because…

For young people who have not attained the age of 16 years prior to December 31, 2005, and must be educated in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean. Contest entry ends by late March 2006. Each applicant is required to give a 4- to 5-minute speech. Winners progress to the next level. Club prize – medallion; Zone prize – plaque; District prize – plaque and either two $1,500 scholarships or a first-place scholarship of $1,500, a second-place scholarship of $1,000, and a third-place scholarship of $500. For an application and complete contest rules, please