What is RYLA?
 

What is RYLA

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive 4-day workshop for youth ages 14 to 18 in grades 9-12. These young adults are chosen for their leadership potential to attend an all-expense paid training program designed to build, strengthen, and exercise leadership skills, self-confidence, and character.  


These High School students come together from communities across District 5500 (Southern Arizona) and are joined by Rotary Exchange students from other countries. Each Delegate is sponsored by a local Rotary Club.

​

RYLA provides a memorable opportunity to learn, grow and have fun while making some new friends along the way. Those who attend a RYLA workshop are generally better able to successfully manage their own lives and careers and make a difference by being leaders in the community.

​

RYLA's History

RYLA was organized and officially adopted by Rotary International in 1971 and has since proven to be one of the most sought after and highly recognized leadership training programs of its kind.

 
 


STAY TUNED FOR APPLICATION INFORMATION

 


Reservation ProcesS

NEW Reservation process for  Delegate spaces: July 1-August 31 a club can reserve 1-5 spaces.
Sept 1-October 31 there will be no limit on the number of spaces for a club.
A waiting list will be started when we reach 100 delegates.
There is no limit on JC reservations - these do not count in the above limits.
 
RYLA Focus

What Does RYLA Focus On?​

RYLA focuses on leadership and personal development. The purpose is to help delegates become more effective leaders by strengthening their knowledge and skills in key areas. They will also learn from listening to and exchanging ideas with other outstanding and potential young leaders. The RYLA core curriculum:
 

  • Fundamentals of leadership

  • Identifying one's personal style - and it's strengths and challenges

  • Ethical decision making using the 4-Way Test

  • Public Speaking

  • Team building and group problem solving

  • Building self-confidence and self-esteem on the Outdoor Challenge Course

  • Exploring Rotary's six areas of service

 

What is the RYLA Experience?

  • Stepping outside personal comfort zones.

  • Facing fears and rising to the challenge.

  • Learning to work with others from diverse backgrounds to solve problems and achieve common goals.

  • Gaining insight into your personal leadership style, strengths, and challenges, then having an opportunity to practice leadership skills in a team setting.

  • Strengthening skills in communication and problem-solving.

  • Building friendships with peers from across southern Arizona.