Optimist International Essay Contest

Scholarship Sponsored by Optimist International

Overview
This essay contest gives young people a chance to think and write about the world they live in — and to compete for college scholarship money while they do it. Read the rules carefully and contact your local Optimist Club if you want to enter.

Who is eligible
- Must be under 19 years old on October 1 of the current Optimist International contest year (contest year = October 1 – September 30).
- Must not have completed secondary school or an equivalent program (this includes CEGEP students in Québec).
- There is no minimum age.
- Students must enter in the District where they live.
- U.S. students attending school on military installations outside the U.S. may enter in their last home of record.

Topic
“How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me”

How to enter
1. Contact your local Optimist Club and let them know you want to enter.
2. Write and submit an essay on the assigned topic.
3. If you need a club contact, e-mail the Programs Department at programs@optimist.org.

Important note: The Essay Contest planning pages are intended for Optimist Clubs to organize and run the contest. They do not provide student entry instructions — students must work directly with a local club.

Deadlines and timeline
- Club-level contests are held by early February. Student submissions will not be accepted after the club contest closes. Contact your District Chair for club-level dates in your area.
- Clubs must submit their winning essay to the District Chair by February 28, 2026.
- Districts must submit their winner’s information to Optimist International by April 15, 2026.

Prizes and purpose
- Club winners advance to the District contest, where they compete for a $2,500 college scholarship. District-level scholarships are funded by the Optimist International Foundations.
- The contest exists to give young people an opportunity to express their opinions about their world. You may write from a personal, national, or historical perspective — the important part is clear, thoughtful writing.

A quick piece of teacher advice
Start early, draft and revise, and ask a teacher or mentor for feedback. If you’re interested, reach out to your local Optimist Club as your first step.