Optimist International sponsors two scholarship contests for students to earn money to pursue opportunities in higher education: the Essay Contest and the Oratorical Contest.  The contests are conducted at the Club level, then Zone and Regional (if necessary) and at the District level.  District-level scholarships are funded by the Optimist International Foundations and awarded by Optimist International.


The Essay Contest
This contest requires students under the age of 19 who have not yet graduated from high school or the equivalent to compose a 700- to 800-word essay around a central idea.  The contest is designed to develop writing and critical thinking skills. One scholarship of $2,500 per District is awarded by Optimist International each year.  

The Oratorical Contest
The Oratorical Contest is open to students under the age of 19 who have not yet graduated from high school or its equivalent.   Students are required to prepare a 4- to 5-minute speech on a pre-assigned topic.  This contest is designed to assist youth in gaining public speaking experience and provide them with an opportunity to compete for a scholarship.

For further information, use our 'Contact Us' page to send an email to the Secretary of the Optimist Club of Port Stanley.