What is RYLA?
 
Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) is an intensive training program that brings together youth and young adults (18+) to further develop character and leadership skills and learn about Rotary. 
 
Participants are nominated by local Rotary clubs, which often cover all expenses. For these young adults, this recognition offers the opportunity to build self-confidence, gain exposure to a variety of issues and people, meet active community leaders, and learn valuable information and career skills.
 
RYLA gives Rotarians the opportunity to mentor promising young leaders serving their own communities and beyond. Rotarians serve as resources for participants on the path to becoming professional and community leaders. In turn, RYLA can bring new energy to a Rotary district, inspire ideas for service and increase support of community service projects.
 
Purpose
  • Provide an effective training experience for selected young leaders;
  • Encourage leadership of youth by youth; 
  • Publicly recognize young people who are rendering service to their communities;
  • Demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth.;
  • Create an encouraging, fun and supportive community of young leaders
Value
  • Enables every Rotary Club to acknowledge service to the community of two or more young people annually; 
  • Enthuses young leaders and provides them with enhanced leadership techniques; 
  • Exposes a large number of young people, their families and their peer groups, to Rotary ideals of Service; 
  • Is a complimentary program to other Rotary activities for New Generations and has been instrumental in the formation of Rotaract clubs;
  • Leaders gain lasting friendships and memorable life-changing experiences
Location & Dates
RYLA 2024 will be held from Thursday May 2 to Sunday May 5 at the Ecology Retreat Centre in Orangeville. 
 
Please note RYLA will be in-person this year and all participants must commit to attending the event in-person. 
 
Applications
Thanks for your interest. Applications are now closed for 2024 RYLA.
 
 
 
Contact us for more information
 
RYLA Registrar: ryla7080@gmail.com