Youth Sponsorship Program
The Optimist Club of St. Louis has a variety of programs that Club Members can host and will be supported through volunteering and funding by the Optimist Club of St. Louis and Youth Work Fund.
Below are current cash scholarship opportunities and youth contests.
The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives youngsters the chance to speak to the world. Club level winners can win a cash scholarship.
Winners advance to the next level for a chance to complete for additional college scholarships.
There is a Zone, District $2500, Regional $5000, and World Oratorical Level $5000, $7500, and $15000.
Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH). This contest offers an opportunity for children who are deaf or hard of hearing to present their thoughts in the community, gaining skills, which can only come from signing or speaking to a large audience.
Winners advance to the District contest to compete for $2,500 college scholarship. The Optimist International Foundations fund a $2,500 scholarship to any District that meets the minimum participation criteria.
The Essay Contest is sponsored by Optimist International to give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live.
Club winners advance to the District contest to compete for a $2,500 college scholarship. The District-level scholarships are funded by the Optimist International Foundations.