Scholarships for Alaska's next generation.
In partnership with the Optimist Club of Anchorage, Alaska, we help young people develop their voices, share their ideas, and pursue scholarship opportunities.
Young voices can shape Alaska's future.
The Optimist International Essay Contest invites students to think deeply, write boldly, and share what community means to them.
The contest helps young people strengthen their written expression while competing for recognition and the chance to advance to a college scholarship competition.
Who can enter
Students must be under age 19 on October 1 of the contest year and must not have completed secondary school or its equivalent. There is no minimum age.
What to submit
An original 700-800 word essay on the official topic, typed, double-spaced, and single-sided, together with a completed contest application.
How it advances
Students enter through their local Optimist Club. The local winner may advance to the district competition, where the first-place award is a $2,500 college scholarship.
Speak with courage. Be heard.
The Optimist International Oratorical Contest invites students to develop confidence, organize their ideas, and share their perspective with an audience.
Local contestants are judged on the content of their speech, delivery and presentation, poise, and overall effectiveness.
Who can enter
Students must be under age 19 on October 1 of the contest year and must not have completed secondary school or its equivalent. There is no minimum age.
What to prepare
An original four-to-five-minute speech on the official topic, delivered in English or French. Contestants must also provide a printed copy of the speech.
How it advances
Contestants may advance from Club to Zone, District, and World levels. District awards are $2,500, $1,500, and $1,000 for first, second, and third place.
Every voice deserves an audience.
The Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing gives students an opportunity to present their ideas through sign language, spoken language, or a combination of both.
The program builds confidence and celebrates the many ways young people communicate.
Who can enter
Students through grade 12 must have an uncorrected hearing loss of 40 decibels or more and provide a qualifying audiogram or Cochlear Implant Programming Report completed within 24 months.
What to prepare
An original four-to-five-minute presentation on the official topic, delivered in sign language, orally, or both. A typed copy of the presentation is also required.
How it advances
Local winners may advance to District competition for scholarship opportunities, including a $2,500 first-place college scholarship.
How scholarship funding works
Higher-level scholarship awards are funded through the Optimist International Foundation. Local Optimist Clubs do not receive Foundation funding for local awards. The Last Frontier Youth Foundation strives to help offer local awards for these programs in partnership with the Optimist Club of Anchorage as charitable funding becomes available.
Help make local awards possible.
Donations help us offer local scholarship awards as funding becomes available, support youth contests, and responsibly grow programs for students, teachers, and families across Alaska.
Help fund the next opportunity.
Every gift helps the Last Frontier Youth Foundation strengthen local scholarships and youth programs. Together, we can give more young Alaskans the resources, recognition, and encouragement to pursue their goals.
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