Scholarship Opportunities
Essay Contest
2023 -2024 Optimist International Essay Contest Topic:
Optimism: How It Connects Us”
Focusing on this year's topic, participants have an opportunity to write about their opinions regarding the world in which they live. Their approach can encompass their personal experience, the experience of their country, or a more historical perspective. In addition to developing the skills for written expression, participants have the opportunity to win a college scholarship. The Bay City Noon Optimist Club participates in this program for students in our communities, under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2023. The scholarships awarded from the Bay City Noon Optimist Club are as follows: First Place: $500, Second Place: $250, Third Place: $100. The Club’s first-place winner will advance to the District level contest to compete for a $2,500 college scholarship. The Michigan District Essay scholarships are funded by the Optimist International Foundation, and the Jan Oord Endowment
Deadline For Entry: Closed
Oratorical Contest
2023-2024 Optimist International Oratorical Contest Topic:
“How to Change the World with Optimism”
Since its start in 1928, the Optimist Oratorical Contest has become the longest-running program sponsored by Optimist International. The contest is designed for youth to gain experience in public speaking and provide them with the opportunity to compete for a college scholarship. The Bay City Noon Optimist Club participates in this program for students in our communities, under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2023. Students have an opportunity to win a $500 scholarship for first place, $250 scholarship for second, and $100 scholarship for third place at the club level. First place winner advances to the next level of competition where the winner has the opportunity to advance to the Michigan District competition and compete for an additional $2500 for First Place, $1500 for Second Place, and $1000 for Third Place. The District Winner then has the chance to compete for an additional $20,000 in college scholarships. The Michigan District Oratorical Scholarships are funded by the Optimist International Foundation and the Karen and Dana Monville Endowment.
Deadline For Entry: Closed