Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)

To RSVP Club Sponsorship for RYLA... CLICK HERE.


INVESTING IN TODAY’S YOUTH. DEVELOPING TOMORROW’S LEADERS.


Great communities don't happen by accident. They're built by people willing to lead, serve, and make a difference.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) gives Rotary clubs the opportunity to recognize and invest in the next generation of community leaders.


RYLA is a five-day summer leadership camp for young people ages 15–18 in Rotary District 6900. Through interactive activities, leadership development, teamwork, and connections with community leaders, students gain the confidence, perspective, and practical skills to make a difference in their schools, communities, and future careers.

Your club can help make that experience possible.


WHY SPONSOR A STUDENT?

Sponsoring a student to attend RYLA is more than sending them to summer camp. It's recognizing their potential and giving them an opportunity to build on it.


Your investment helps students:

  • Build Leadership Skills – Develop the confidence and tools to lead, motivate, and work effectively with others.
  • Discover Their Potential – Recognize their strengths, talents, and opportunities for personal growth.
  • Expand Their Perspective – Connect with students from different backgrounds and learn from new experiences and viewpoints.
  • Meet Community Leaders – Build relationships with people who are making a difference in their communities and professions.
  • Strengthen Their Future – Gain practical communication, decision-making, teamwork, and career-readiness skills.
  • Become More Engaged – Return home inspired and better equipped to contribute to their schools and communities.

WHO SHOULD YOU SPONSOR?


Look beyond the titles. Consider students who:

·         Take initiative and step up when something needs to be done.

·         Volunteer, serve, or look for ways to help others.

·         Demonstrate a positive attitude and strong character.

·         Influence and encourage their peers.

·         Have untapped potential and are ready for a new challenge.


The next great leader isn't always the one standing at the front of the room, leading the team, or with the highest GPA.

WHY IT MATTERS TO YOUR ROTARY CLUB


RYLA is an investment that reaches beyond the five days of camp.

When your club sponsors a student, you:


  • Recognize Service: Publicly acknowledge young people who are already demonstrating leadership and a commitment to serving others.
  • Strengthen Your Community: Encourage responsible, service-minded young people to become more involved in making their communities better.
  • Build Generational Connections: Create opportunities for Rotarians to mentor young leaders and strengthen relationships between generations.
  • Inspire Future Service: Bring new ideas, enthusiasm, and energy to community service initiatives.
  • Invest in Rotary's Future: Introduce young people to Rotary's values and mission while helping develop tomorrow's community and professional leaders.

THE ROTARY CONNECTION


Since its beginnings in Australia in 1959, RYLA has grown into an internationally recognized Rotary program, officially adopted by Rotary International in 1971.

At its heart, RYLA reflects Rotary's belief that young people have the potential to make a meaningful difference — and that investing in their development benefits everyone.


Through RYLA, Rotarians become more than sponsors. They become encouragers, mentors, and advocates for the next generation.

YOUR CLUB CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE


Every community has young people with the potential to lead. Some simply need someone to recognize that potential and give them the opportunity to grow.

Who in your community deserves that opportunity?


Nominate a student. Sponsor their experience. Help develop a leader.

Five days of investment. A lifetime of potential impact.



To learn more about District 6900 RYLA, visit the Facebook page.


If you are a club representative and would like to confirm your club's participation, follow this link to RSVP for RYLA.


Rotary Clubs can also use the forms linked below for additional information:

(1) RYLA Club Commitment Form - for Clubs to confirm sponsorship of students 

(2) RYLA Chair Checklist - for Club Officers to know deadlines related to sponsoring students

(3) RYLA Important Dates - simplified list of important dates leading up to RYLA

(4) RYLA Info for Future Students - a document that can be shared with students interested in attending RYLA

(5) RYLA Info for Rotary Clubs - a document that can be shared with club leadership to learn more about RYLA

(6) Tips for Finding RYLA Students - a document to help clubs start their searches for RYLA students

(7) RYLA Student Selection Form - for clubs to share with their selected students to submit info to RYLA staff



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Updated by Jaclyn Donovan
October 30, 2026 10:35 am