Since its start in 1928, the Optimist Oratorical Contest  has become the longest-running program sponsored by Optimist International. The contest is designed for youth to gain experience in public speaking and provide them with the opportunity to compete for a college scholarship.
 
There are now four exciting levels of participation:
Optimist Club Competition: Each Optimist Club may sponsor a local club contest. Local winners may compete in an Optimist Zone contest based on number of participants. Winnders advance to the District Contest
 

Urban Boatbuilders provides positive youth development through the building and use of wooden boats.  Through two signature programs, apprenticeships and partnerships, they teach acadmic, vocational, and leadership skills to Twin Cities youth. Students learn a craft, skills, and team work. Testimonials from past participants shared the program helped at risk kids to stay in school and go on to other post high school learning.
Their goal is to Build Youth - One Boat at at time.