The Academy Optimist Club has been serving the Pikes Peak region since 1989. Through a philosophy of
Optimism, the Academy Optimist Club "Brings Out the Best" with various projects such as:
- B.U.G. (bringing up grades)
- Junior Golf OI Junior Golf Championships
- Liberty Day (teaching the U.S. Constitution)
- JOOI Clubs Junior Optimist Octagon International
- Santa Train on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway
- Safety Day (teaching bicycle and fire safety)
- Childhood Cancer (ridding the world of childhood cancer
- Essay Contest (an excellent writing contest)
- Oratorical Contest (a contest for public speaking)
- Communication Contest (for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing)
- Brain Bowl (a team contest, like for middle schools)
- Critters for Cancer (sweet pics that save lives)
- Relay for Life (racing for the cure to cancer)
- Tri-Star Basketball (encouraging youth through competition)
- Pen Pals (encouraging youth through communication)