Optimist International essay contest for students under 19 who have not finished high school; club winners advance to a district contest for a $2,500 college scholarship. Entry deadlines are set by each local Optimist Club, with club contests held by early February.
Offered by Optimist International Essay Contest. Scholarship for high school students in USA. Format: Online. Cost: Stipend. Grades 11–12. Deadline: rolling or not yet announced.
Fields: Leadership
Info checked September 2026.
No date is posted for the 2026-27 cycle yet. Check the official page for when applications open.
Yes, and it pays participants a stipend or award.
High school students in grades 11 to 12. It runs online. Age, residency and citizenship rules are on the official page.
More scholarships for high school students