Optimist International Essay Contest

The Native American Fish and Wildlife Society awards national and regional merit scholarships to Native students pursuing degrees in natural resource fields such as fisheries, wildlife management, forestry, and conservation. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled with a U.S. federally recognized Tribe or a descendant (BIA Form 4432 accepted), and enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university for the fall of the award year; incoming freshmen through PhD students may apply, but fully online students are not eligible. National awards have historically ranged from $1,500 to $2,500, with additional regional awards selected by NAFWS regional directors. A complete application includes the essay, a resume, enrollment verification, transcripts, proof of tribal enrollment, and one letter of recommendation, due August 14, 2026 at 10:00 p.m. Mountain Time.

Full-time graduate students enrolled at an accredited degree-granting institution (including online and accelerated programs) with at least a 2.5 GPA who demonstrate financial need, leadership, and community service may apply for the AKA-EAF Financial Need Graduate Scholarship. First-time graduate students must include a letter of acceptance. Applicants must plan to continue studies in the fall of the grant year. Award amounts and the number of recipients vary annually. Awardees are notified by December. Submit the online application, a project or research statement (up to two double-spaced pages), two recent letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a Financial Needs Analysis. The selection process is blind to ensure fairness and objectivity.

U.S. citizens enrolled in an accredited U.S. university aviation program may apply for one of four Calvin L. Carrithers Aviation Scholarships from GlobalAir.com. Four scholarships of $1,000 are awarded annually. Complete the online application describing your aviation goals and background. Recipients commit to writing a 200 to 500 word blog post at least once a week during the school year about flight training, flying, and life in their aviation program.

Indiana high school seniors who are state residents and hold a diploma from an accredited Indiana high school may apply for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program through their county's community foundation. Recipients must plan to pursue a full-time undergraduate baccalaureate program at an accredited public or private four-year college or university in Indiana. The program awards 147 full-tuition scholarships annually (one per Indiana county), covering tuition, required fees, and a book stipend for four years. Room, board, and travel are not covered. Selection criteria and deadlines vary by county. Contact your local community foundation for requirements, then complete that county's application with residency and academic documentation. The program is meant to raise educational attainment in Indiana, strengthen community foundations' visibility, and encourage scholars to engage with state and local leaders.

U.S. college students may apply for the Mila Boyd Law Offices scholarship. The award is $1,000. Submit a 1–2 minute YouTube video (titled per the sponsor's instructions) or a 1,000–1,500 word essay on why you want to be a lawyer, by August 15 annually.

High school students in JROTC or a Boy Scout Explorer program who have been accepted to a U.S. post-secondary school, college students in ROTC, or U.S. military veterans enrolled in undergraduate or graduate study may apply for the Drummond Law Firm Scholarship. The award is $1,000 toward tuition or books. Submit a 500-word or longer essay on why you want to or have served the country, or how service members affect your daily life, plus a recommendation from a JROTC/ROTC instructor or former military supervisor and proof of enrollment. Selection weighs the essay and extracurricular activities. Applications are accepted year-round, with a completion deadline of August 15 each year.