The Optimist Oratorical Contest is a public speaking competition that gives students an opportunity to speak to the world. More than $150,000 in college scholarships funded by the Optimist International Foundations are awarded annually from this program.
First conducted in 1928, this is the most popular Optimist International Program. Nearly 2,000 clubs participate in this program each year. Each winner of the District level contest will receive a scholarship for use at a college, university or trade school of their choice. Three winners are awarded scholarships of $2,500, $1,500, and $1,000 for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Winners of the District competition qualify for the World Championships, which start with Regional contests. Regional winners receive $5,000 and qualify for the Championship round. First place receives $15,000, second place receives $10,000, and third place receives $5,000.
All scholarships will be payable to the educational institution of the recipient’s choice, subject to the approval of Optimist International. Optimist International will administer all scholarships. Winners of an Optimist International scholarship must claim their scholarship by the age of 25.
