Optimist Youth In Education Program Mid Western Ontario District Zones 5 & 9 Optimist Youth In Education Fund Scholarship

Optimist International was formed in 1919 to assist youth in various capacities. Optimists have been active in London since 1937. In our community Optimist Clubs sponsor a number of youth activities. These include; sports teams, bicycle rodeos, oratorical and essay contests, leadership courses, Respect for Law and Youth in Government programs, "Just Say NO" - drug awareness, Hugh O’Brien Foundation – Youth Leadership Seminar or “HOBIE”, educational and sports bus trips in addition to many other community based youth activities.

In 1994 the Optimist Youth In Education Program (YIEP) was founded. This program introduces students to Internationally renowned personalities. The program was expanded in 1995 to include a YIEP Fund with a mandate to provide scholarships, awards and bursaries to students.

In 1997 the Optimist Youth In Education Fund (YIEP) Committee established a YIEP Fund Scholarship to annually assist a graduating student with their post secondary school education. While passing grades are required – the focus for our Scholarship is on non-academic qualities.
 

Basic Philosophy:

The major aim of this scholarship is to recognize those students that best exemplify the philosophy of Optimism. That is:

1.      To develop optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed;

2.       To promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs;

3.       To inspire respect for law;

4.       To promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people;

5.       To aid and encourage the development of fellow youth, in the belief that the giving of oneself in service to others will advance the well being of humankind, community life and the world.
 

Criteria For Scholarship:

1.      Student has been a resident of London, living within the city’s boundaries, for a minimum of 2 years and attends a London High School.

2.      They are in their graduating year of secondary school and will be furthering their education at a recognized college or university within two years of graduation.

3.       The student has made a contribution to their school.

4.       The student has made a contribution to their community.

5.       Other related information that depicts the good character of the applicant.

Nomination Procedure:

Each City of London Secondary School chooses a student, from students nominated by the staff, student body and /or student council. Input from the school community may be solicited. Each secondary school’s nominating committee will select one student from their Grade 12 graduating class that will advance to a final selection committee. It is strongly recommended that a student be selected that has not won another major award in their graduating year. The Optimist Youth In Education Fund Scholarship Committee will review all nominee applications.

TWO $500.00 Scholarships will be awarded.
 

Deadlines:

All confidential applications are to be received no later than 4:00 PM Monday May 23, 2008 at either:
 

Nominees will be notified by September 16, 2008 of the winner.

Scholarship Presentation:

The Optimist Youth In Education Fund Scholarship Committee will present each $500.00 scholarship to the student.  The cheque will be made payable to the college or university of the student's choice.
The school's award selection committee, in cooperation with the Optimist Committee, will decide when and where the cheque will be presented.

All nominees will receive an Optimist certificate of achievement.

Further Information contact:

Don McLeod
Chair - Optimist Youth In Education Program
email: donm357[at]yahoo.ca

See the Optimist YIEP on our web site:     http://www.optimistmwo.on.ca/