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 programs@optimist.org.
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 programs@optimist.org.