Youth Programs
The Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimist Club is dedicated to supporting and uplifting young people through a variety of youth programs throughout the year. We proudly host the Optimist International Scholarship Essay & Oratorical contests. Additionally, we offer the Bill King Youth Programs Scholarship to recognize outstanding high school seniors. Through these initiatives, we encourage personal growth, academic achievement, and leadership development—helping our youth reach their fullest potential.
2026-2027 Scholarship Contest
Optimist International sponsors three scholarship contests for students to earn money to pursue opportunities in higher education: the Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH), the Essay Contest and the Oratorical Contest. The contests are conducted at the Club level, then Zone and Regional (if necessary) and at the District level. District-level scholarships are funded by the Optimist International Foundations and awarded by Optimist International.
Oratorical Contest
Topic: “How My Actions Strengthen Those Around Me”
APPLICATIONS COMING SOON
Essay Contest
Topic: “Finding My Voice in a World Full of Noise”
APPLICATIONS COMING SOON
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© 2026 Optimist Club of Southfield and Lathrup Village, Inc.
