Optimist International Oratorical Contest

The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives young people the opportunity to share their ideas and speak to the world. Through this program, the Optimist International Foundations award more than $150,000 in college scholarships annually.

First conducted in 1928, the Oratorical Contest is the second most widely participated-in program offered by Optimist International. Each year, nearly 2,000 Optimist Clubs take part in the competition.

2026-2027 Topic: “How My Actions Strengthen Those Around Me”

To be eligible, a contestant must:
Be under the age of 19 on October 1 of the current Optimist International contest year (October 1–September 30); and not have completed high school or its equivalent, including students attending CEGEP in Québec, Canada. There is no minimum age requirement.

How To Enter:
Students interested in participating should submit a speech on the assigned topic through their local Optimist Club. To find the Optimist Club nearest you or obtain local contact information, email the Programs Department at programs@optimist.org
(Please note: We are unable to connect contestants with their local Optimist Club until October 1, the official start of the new Optimist International contest year.).

Awards and Scholarships:

At the District level of competion, scholarships may be awarded as follows:

• 1st Place: $2,500 scholarship
• 2nd Place: $1,500 scholarship
• 3rd Place: $1,000 scholarship

(Scholarships are provided at the District's discretion and may vary) District winners advance to the Oratorical Regional Championships, where they compete for a chance to qualify for the prestigious Oratorical World Championship.

Deadline:
The deadline to enter is determined by the sponsoring Optimist Club and varies by area. Please contact your local Club for specific entry deadlines. Most Club-level contests are completed by late March each year.

Clubs and Districts seeking additional information, resources, and contest materials for the Oratorical Contest please visit www.optimistinfo.org and click on Signature Programs Materials.