YOUTH SERVICES
Rotary Youth Services helps young people learn, lead, and grow through scholarships, Interact Club, RYLA, and domestic and international Youth Exchange opportunities. These programs are designed to build confidence, broaden perspectives, and prepare students for the future.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Rotary scholarships are designed to help young people continue their education, pursue their goals, and build a strong foundation for the future. Opportunities may support secondary education, undergraduate or graduate study, professional development, and other educational pathways, with funding provided through local Rotary efforts as well as Rotary Foundation district and global grants.
Our local club believes in investing in the potential of students throughout our community. Scholarships can help ease the financial burden of continuing education while giving students the opportunity to develop their talents, explore new possibilities, and prepare for meaningful careers and service. Rotary also offers additional opportunities through programs such as Rotary Peace Fellowships for qualified college graduates and professionals interested in peace and conflict resolution.
If you are a local student or family member interested in learning more about available scholarship opportunities, we encourage you to reach out to us. We would be happy to share current information about eligibility, application requirements, and upcoming deadlines, and help you learn more about the educational opportunities Rotary may be able to support.
R.Y.L.A.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, or RYLA, is an exciting leadership development experience that helps young people build confidence, strengthen communication and problem-solving skills, and discover their potential as leaders. Organized by Rotary clubs and districts, RYLA brings participants together for workshops, activities, presentations, and opportunities to learn from community leaders, inspirational speakers, and one another.
Depending on the program, RYLA experiences may range from a one-day seminar to a multi-day retreat or camp. Along the way, participants develop practical leadership skills, make new connections, form lasting friendships, and learn how to turn their ideas and motivation into meaningful action in their schools and communities.
RYLA participants are typically nominated through local Rotary clubs. If you are interested in leadership, personal growth, and making a positive difference, we encourage you to reach out to our club to learn more about local RYLA opportunities and how to get involved.
INTERACT CLUB
Interact Club gives young people ages 12–18 the opportunity to develop leadership skills, make new friends, and discover how rewarding it can be to serve others. Interact members take an active role in their schools and communities by working together on projects that make a positive difference while learning the value of teamwork, responsibility, and “Service Above Self.”
Each Interact club is encouraged to complete at least two service projects every year—one that benefits the local school or community and another that promotes international understanding. With support and mentorship from Rotary members, students are able to turn their ideas into action, connect with community leaders, and gain hands-on experience that helps them grow into confident and capable leaders.
Interact is also about connection, friendship, and having fun while doing something meaningful. Members can meet other young people who share their interests, learn more about cultures around the world, and take part in service opportunities that broaden their perspective. If you are a student who wants to get involved, build your leadership skills, and make a difference, we encourage you to reach out to our Rotary club and learn more about joining Interact.
Rotary Youth Exchange
Rotary Youth Exchange gives students the opportunity to experience life in a new community, meet new people, and see the world from a different perspective. Through both domestic and international exchanges, young people can immerse themselves in another culture or region, build lasting friendships, develop independence, and grow in confidence and leadership. Rotary International’s Youth Exchange program serves students ages 15–19 and is supported by Rotary clubs in communities around the world.
Exchange experiences can vary from short-term opportunities lasting several days or months to long-term exchanges that span an academic year. International participants may have the opportunity to attend school abroad, live with host families, learn another language, and experience everyday life in another country. Domestic exchanges offer many of the same benefits while allowing students to experience a different part of their own country and gain a better understanding of the people, traditions, and communities found closer to home.
Youth Exchange is about much more than travel. It is an opportunity to become more independent, adaptable, and open-minded while developing friendships and memories that can last a lifetime. If you are a local student or family interested in domestic or international Youth Exchange, we encourage you to contact our Rotary club to learn what opportunities are currently available and how to begin the application process.