Optimist Club of Anchorage Scholarship Program
Sign it. Say it. Let your voice lead.
The Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing gives students a welcoming platform to share ideas through spoken presentation, sign language, or the communication style that best fits their message.
"How My Actions Strengthen Those Around Me"
Students share their thoughts with an audience while building confidence, leadership, and communication skills.
A scholarship through communication
CCDHH gives Deaf and Hard of Hearing students the floor.
Modeled after the Optimist Oratorical Contest, CCDHH empowers students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing to share their voices, ideas, and experiences with the community.
The Optimist Club of Anchorage hosts the local contest and helps students begin the path toward District scholarship competition. This page highlights key details, but the official Optimist International application and scholarship page should guide each submission.
View official Optimist International CCDHH infoStudents enrolled in and attending school in the United States, Canada, or the Caribbean who meet the grade requirements.
An audiogram from a qualified audiologist within 24 months of the contest date showing uncorrected hearing loss of at least 40 decibels.
Students may present through speech, sign language, or a combination that helps them communicate their message clearly.
Optimist International provides a $2,500 scholarship to qualifying Districts that meet minimum participation requirements.
Building the presentation
Let the format support the message.
These are optional thinking starters, not extra contest requirements. Use them to shape a focused presentation around the official topic.
What did you do?
Start with a real action, choice, habit, project, or moment where you tried to help others become stronger.
Who was affected?
Think about family, friends, classmates, teammates, teachers, neighbors, or a wider community you helped influence.
Why did it matter?
Help the audience understand what changed because of your actions and what that taught you about leadership.
Application checklist
Four steps from idea to presentation.
The sponsoring Optimist Club sets local deadlines. Anchorage students should plan ahead and submit complete materials before the club deadline.
Download the application
Use the 2026-2027 Optimist International CCDHH materials and review all eligibility and documentation rules.
Prepare your presentation
Respond to the official topic in your own way, using speech, sign language, or both.
Gather documentation
Include the required audiogram showing qualifying uncorrected hearing loss.
Submit before deadline
Send the completed entry materials to the Anchorage scholarship team no later than January 31, 2027.
Important: students whose hearing loss is permanently corrected should participate in the Optimist International Oratorical Contest instead.
Email the teamEligibility snapshot
The audiogram requirement is essential.
Optimist International requires documentation from a qualified audiologist. Confirm the date, decibel level, and eligibility details before the student prepares to compete.
Review official CCDHH page-
01
School enrollment matters.
Contestants must be enrolled in and attending school in the United States, Canada, or the Caribbean.
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02
Grade level matters.
Eligible students are in Grade 12 or below in the United States and Canada, CEGEP in Quebec, or Grade 13 or below in the Caribbean.
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03
Audiogram timing matters.
The audiogram must be conducted by a qualified audiologist within 24 months of the contest date.
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04
Hearing-loss level matters.
The audiogram must verify an uncorrected hearing loss of at least 40 decibels.
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05
Corrected hearing loss changes the path.
Students whose hearing loss is permanently corrected should compete in the Optimist International Oratorical Contest.
CCDHH FAQs
Quick answers before students apply.
Need an answer specific to your student?
Ask the scholarship teamWhat is the 2026-27 CCDHH topic?
The official topic is "How My Actions Strengthen Those Around Me." Students should prepare their presentation around this topic.
Who is eligible for CCDHH?
Contestants must be enrolled in and attending school in the United States, Canada, or the Caribbean and meet the grade-level requirements listed by Optimist International.
What audiogram documentation is required?
Students must submit an audiogram conducted by a qualified audiologist within 24 months of the contest date. It must verify an uncorrected hearing loss of at least 40 decibels.
Can students sign instead of speak?
Yes. CCDHH is designed for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing to compete through spoken presentation or sign language.
What if a student's hearing loss is permanently corrected?
Optimist International states that students whose hearing loss is permanently corrected should participate in the Optimist International Oratorical Contest instead.
What scholarship is available?
The Optimist International Foundation provides a $2,500 scholarship to qualifying Districts that meet the minimum participation requirements.
How do students enter?
Students enter through a local Optimist Club. Anchorage-area students can contact scholarships@anchorageoptimists.org with questions about local submission details.
Where can I find official materials?
Use the Optimist International CCDHH page linked here for general information and the official contest application.
Ready to apply?
Share your message by January 31.
Download the official application, prepare the required documentation, and reach out early with questions about eligibility or local submission details.