Hello Rotarians!

The intent of this web page is to provide a home for the various RYLA forms to be completed by the sponsoring Rotary Clubs. These forms are intended for Rotary use. Access to documents, photos and links on these site pages has been limited to authorized, logged in Rotarians. Please respect this limitation.

RYLA is a program for teens that are high school sophomores and juniors/in grade 10 and 11. RYLA Alumni and Rebound Rotary Exchange students (on a space available basis) are also welcome to apply. There is no cost to youth who are selected, as the local Rotary Club pays for the RYLA participants.

RYLA emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal growth, as participants learn about their own qualities/skills as a leader and the qualities of effective leaders and effective teams. The RYLA program consists of a combination of icebreaker, team building, and experiential problem-solving activities as well as group discussions and personal reflection. Participants are introduced to practical leadership topics and issues, presentations from Rotary and community leaders. Opportunities are provided to allow RYLA participants to apply their emerging leadership skills in a variety of challenging activities. We also want the RYLA experience to be memorable with other activities which might include a barbeque, dance and/or recreational activities.

The event is co-planned by both RYLA Alumni and Rotarians. RYLA Alumni make sure that the program is fun and relevant to their peers. Alumni have innovative ideas that make sure the days are as interactive as possible and that the adults do not talk for too long. They serve as Alumni Leaders and Facilitators at the event - an opportunity some of the 2024 RYLA participants will have in 2025. We believe that the large number of teens that want to return as RYLA Alumni is an excellent indicator that the program holds the right balance of fun and skill building.

For information about RYLA, check out our Frequently Asked Questions FAQs button above. If you have any additional questions, contact one of the Rotarians below.

Thank you for supporting RYLA!
Sincerely,

Brenda Shelden, District 5010 RYLA Chair, (907) 841-8942 brendaptatc@yahoo.com
Peggy Pollen, Fairbanks, RYLA 2023 Event Registrar, (907) 388-2283peggy.pollen@gmail.com