Optimist International Essay Contest

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

Key facts

Who can apply
High school students in grades 11 to 12. It runs online.
Cost
Free to take part, and it pays a stipend or award.
Dates
No date is posted for the 2026-27 cycle yet. Check the official page for when applications open.

Info checked September 2026.

Questions about Optimist International Essay Contest

When is the Optimist International Essay Contest deadline?

No date is posted for the 2026-27 cycle yet. Check the official page for when applications open.

Is Optimist International Essay Contest free?

Yes, and it pays participants a stipend or award.

Who can apply to Optimist International Essay Contest?

High school students in grades 11 to 12. It runs online. Age, residency and citizenship rules are on the official page.

Official program page

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