District 7500 Rotary Youth
Leadership Award (RYLA) is an intense four-day leadership conference
run by outstanding Rotarians and older youth who have demonstrated
their extensive leadership ability through high achievement in their
communities.
Many alumni have other definitions of RYLA. Some say RYLA is a family of incredible personalities
united in a single goal. Others have called RYLA a profoundly moving
experience, something that no one can understand unless they have
been through it. Some senior members of the staff have compared RYLA
to a drug that requires them to get a yearly "fix."
No matter which definition is more
accurate for students, RYLA will almost certainly change the
students who attend. The lessons learned, the friends made, and the
love shared will last a lifetime in their lives.
Officially adopted by Rotary
International in 1971, RYLA is one of the most significant and
growing programs in Rotary Service. Each year thousands of young
people take part in the program worldwide. Their influence spreads
even further as they take their skills and knowledge back to their
schools and communities and put them into practice.
Other Helpful Information:
History of RYLA
What is Rotary?