Each year, Optimist Clubs ask children through 18 years of age on December 31 to write a 500-word or less essay on a topic chosen by Optimist International. This year the topic is “The Internet: Today’s Evolution or Tomorrow’s Menace?”
Competition for all Optimist International Scholarship programs begins at the club level*. Optimist Clubs can offer prizes for winning entries. The essay that comes in first place is then forwarded to the District Competition where it competes for a $2,500 scholarship. Winning District entries move forward again to the international competition and the possibility of earning an additional $6,000 scholarship. That's a pretty nice reward for 500 words!
- You can find out all about the Optimist International Essay Contest at this link.
- You can find an Optimist Club near you at this link.
- You can download the application and rules at this link.