Optimist International sponsors three scholarship contests for
students to earn money to pursue opportunities in higher education: the
Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH), 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.
Essay Contest
This contest requires students under the age of 19 as of December 31 of the current school year 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.
Oratorical Contest
The Oratorical Contest is open to students under the age of 19 as of December
31 of the current school year. 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.
Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Students who are certified to have a hearing loss of 40 decibels or more may compete
in this contest designed to help them develop the skills and confidence to present
in sign or orally to an audience.
*Optimist International scholarships are made possible by the Optimist
International Foundations.
