Optimist International sponsors scholarships as prizes for the winners of the contests listed below. Each contest is entered through your local Optimist Club. Our Club 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.
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CHILDHOOD CANCER CAMPAIGN
Did you know that each year more than 12,000 children and teenagers will be diagnosed with cancer? Did you also know that one in every 330 Americans develops cancer before the age of 20? Because of statistics such as these, Optimist Clubs are encouraged to participate in this program by building awareness of the disease, providing assistance for children and their families, and supporting research to find a cure. The Lafayette Breakfast Optimist Club has donated over $11000 to the International campaign. |
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ESSAY CONTEST
Topic: "How my Positive Outlook Benefits my Community"
The Essay Contest is for students under 18 years of age as of December 31, 2011, who attend school in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean. Students residing on U.S. military bases overseas are eligible to enter using their last U.S. home of record. All Club contests are held by early February 2011. Club contest winners progress to the District level.
Club prize: Medallion
District prize: Plaque and a $2,500 college scholarship
For an application and complete contest rules, please click here
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ORATORICAL CONTEST
Topic: "How my Optimism Helps me Overcome Obstacles"
The Oratorical Contest is for young people under the age of 18 as of December 31, 2011, who are educated in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean. Contest entry ends by late March 2011. 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 two $2,500 scholarships or
Plaque and a first-place scholarship of $2,500, a second-place scholarship of $1,500, and a third-place scholarship of $1,000
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TRI-STAR BASKETBALL
Clubs focus on three skills competitions in each of the following sports: basketball, baseball, soccer, football, in-line hockey or ice hockey. These contests are the perfect opportunity for children to have fun while testing their skills in three areas of the sport of your choice. Each skill offers exciting opportunities to promote self-confidence and physical fitness, even if you have limited resources. Over 1,000 clubs currently participate in sports programs.
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YOUTH APPRECIATION
Youth Appreciation projects are intended to make children feel important and highlight their positive contributions to society. Since 1956, this program has given Optimist Clubs the occasion to work with youth toward the common goals of education, career development, physical well-being and community service. Your Youth Appreciation program can be more than an awards ceremony or a dinner for a few top students. Youth Appreciation is designed to encourage a greater exchange of ideas between young people and adults.
Youth Appreciation offers Optimist Clubs the opportunity to make a community impact by holding one or more worthwhile, fun events that involve both adults and children.
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