About RYLA

What IS RYLA?

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Conference, aka RYLA. This conference will include 3 days of interactive sessions with High School Sophomores like you!

“life-changing”
“amazing”
“very cool”

… are all things that previous students have said about RYLA.

Activities are designed to help students to stretch and grow. Our full program includes a variety of challenges and enriching sessions which allow them to learn about themselves and others. Students will engage with small and large groups in a program created by student input.

For RYLA's where there are overnights, the conference is co­ed but the dorms are not. Young women and men stay in separate rooms on separate floors.

RYLA Facts:
  • RYLA began in 1994!
  • Approximately 200 students, and about 100 volunteers
  • High School Sophomores
  • Students from 50 Rotary Clubs from Suburban Boston/Metro West and Central Massachusetts, USA 

The RYLA 7910 RYLA Conference is presented by Rotary District 7910. This is not a function of Fitchburg State University.

 

What is Rotary?

Rotary is an international organization of 1.2 million women and men united in service. Most Rotary clubs meet weekly at lunch time. Some meet for breakfast or in the evening.

You Should Know This About Rotary
(A Primer for RYLAns)

Before & After RYLA, youth opportunities for you may include:

  • ESSEX - International Student exchange
    • School Year exchange program
    • Short term exchange programs allow for a 1-3 month exchange
  • Scholarships
  • Interact - Rotary's service clubs for young people ages 12 to 18
  • Rotaract - Rotary's service clubs for people aged 18+

Rotarians want to to help you:

  • Make job connections
  • Find funding for local service projects
  • Earn community service hours while volunteering for fundraisers, service projects
  • & more!

To learn more or to locate your local rotary club go to www.rotary.org and search for your city and state.

Do Good. Feel Great. With Rotary!

What People Are Saying About RYLA

    RYLA was the most amazing experience! It taught me to be proud of who I am and helped me figure out what I want to do with my life. There are no limits for me now.
- RYLA Participant
    RYLA has definitely made me feel more confident now that I’m off to college. I’m not so afraid of the unknown anymore.
- Program Facilitator
How Do I Apply?

In order to attend RYLA, students must be “sponsored” by their local Rotary Club. The selection process usually begins with an application, followed by student interviews in the January to March timeframe depending on the unique deadlines of your sponsoring Rotary club. An announcement calling for applicants may be posted in your local newspaper, website, social media and/or in local high schools.

If you are interested in applying for RYLA and you haven't yet seen an announcement about it, check with your high school guidance office or contact your local Rotary Club. (If you're not sure how to reach them, Contact Us.)