Scholarship
Optimist International Essay Contest
Optimist International
Award
club and district scholarships (amounts vary by district)
Deadline
~Apr 15, 2027
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
Special eligibility to verify
- Local Optimist Club entry required: Contestants must enter through a local Optimist Club; club winners advance to district scholarship competition.
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.
Essay prompt
- How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me Essays must contain at least 700 words but no more than 800 words.
Verified Jun 21, 2026 · View official source