Optimist International Oratorical Contest
Scholarship Sponsored by Optimist International
2025–2026 Topic: "The Moment I Realized I Belonged — My Definition of Community" Intro: The Optimist Oratorical Contest offers young people a platform to share their voices and ideas. Established in 1928, it is one of Optimist International’s longest-running programs and is the organization’s second most popular youth program. Nearly 2,000 clubs participate each year, and the program distributes more than $150,000 in college scholarships annually through the Optimist International Foundations. Eligibility: - Open to students who are under 19 years old as of October 1 of the current Optimist International contest year (contest year runs October 1 – September 30). - Entrants must not have completed secondary school or its equivalent; CEGEP students in Québec are eligible. - There is no minimum age. How to enter: Students prepare a speech on the pre-assigned topic and submit it to their local Optimist Club. To locate the club contact for your area, email the Programs Department at [email protected]. Deadlines and scheduling: The sponsoring Optimist Club sets the entry deadline. As a guideline, most club-level contests take place by late March. Online option: Clubs and Districts may choose to conduct the Oratorical Contest online. Guidelines and additional information are available from Optimist International upon request. Awards and prizes: - Club-level winners receive medallions; Zone winners are presented with a plaque. - Districts may award scholarships of $2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second place, and $1,000 for third place. For questions or further details, contact [email protected].
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