Scholarship
Optimist International Essay Contest
Optimist International
Award
club and district scholarships (amounts vary by district)
Deadline
~Apr 15, 2026
Estimated; confirm on sponsor site
Essay contest for students under age 19 who have not completed secondary school. Club winners advance to district scholarship competition on the annual Optimist topic.
Eligibility
- Grade levels
- High school
- Citizenship
- Any
- Fields of study
- Humanities, Communications
- Essay
- Required
Application requirements
- Enter through a local Optimist Club: Contestants must enter through a local Optimist Club; use the Optimist Club Locator to find a club.
- Submit an original 700-800 word essay: 2025-2026 topic: How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me.
Verified Jun 21, 2026 · View official source