Scholarship Programs

This contest is sponsored by Optimist International to give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live. Interested students submit essays on the pre-assigned topic to their local Optimist Club.  The essays are judged at the club level, district level, and international level.

Click here for more Essay information
Click here for Essay Rules and Application
Essay forms and materials are available from Shumsky

This contest is designed to offer a chance for young people who are deaf or hard of hearing to present their thoughts on a topic in a public forum. Interested students prepare a speech on the pre-assigned topic to be judged at the club level and the district level.

Click here for more Communication Contest information
Click here for Rules and Application
CCDHH forms and materials are available from Shumsky

This contest is designed to inspire today’s youth to motivate and inform others through the art of public speaking. Interested students prepare a speech on the pre-assigned topic to be presented at their local Optimist Club’s contest. The speeches are judged at the club level, zone level, regional level, and finally at the district level.

Click here for more Oratorical information.
Click here for Rules and Application
Oratorical forms and materials are available from Shumsky