Click Here for: Student Participation Registration for Spring RYLA 2026
* Application due date: Friday, April 3rd, 2026
* Newtown Community Center
* Sponsorship Club or Sponsor payment due date: Saturday, April 4, 2026
* Conference Date: Saturday, April 11, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (students will commit to the entire day)
Cost is $200 for the sponsor/sponsoring organization (local Rotary Club, family, school or civic organization).
- Students are responsible for verifying that the organization has paid or is committed to paying the sponsorship fee.
- The conference begins on Saturday at 8:00 AM
- The conference ends on Saturday at 6:00 PM
What is RYLA?
The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is District 7980’s leadership training program for young men and women in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 (Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors). These talented youth from area high schools are supported by their local Rotary clubs, families, schools, or civic organizations to attend an action-packed one-day conference. Their activities are designed to increase their leadership skills and commitment to community service, while creating positive change locally and internationally.
RYLA is held twice a year, in the fall and spring. RYLA is an internationally recognized program attended by over 9,000 young adults each year, sponsored by Rotary Clubs in more than 25 countries. Dedicated Rotarians, student facilitators, and selected specialists make up the RYLA team.
Calling all 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders who are
- Ready to level up their leadership skills
- Passionate about personal growth
- Eager to create positive change in their communities
- Excited to challenge themselves
- Interested in strengthening communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution abilities
Rotary’s motto – “Service Above Self”
Candidate Criteria
High school students who:
- Demonstrate leadership in school or community organizations.
- Make moral decisions, distinguish right from wrong.
- Display the willingness to be an active member of a group.
- Promote curiosity about current events: local, state, national and international.
- Encourage speaking and listening to others in front of an audience.
