Fall 2026 RYLA
Contact:
Nancy Morin
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14 Nov 2026 |
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Fall RYLA: November 14, 2026
Spring RYLA: April 3, 2027
Fall RYLA/November 14:
- Application Due Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
- Location: West Haven High School
- Sponsoring Club or Sponsor Payment Due Date: November 6, 2026
- Conference Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
- Time: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Students must commit to the full day.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided
Cost
The registration fee is $200, paid by the sponsoring organization (local Rotary Club, family, school, or civic organization). Students are responsible for confirming that their sponsor has paid—or has committed to paying—the sponsorship fee.
The conference begins at 8:00 AM and concludes at 6:00 PM on Saturday. Students must commit to the full day.
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.
The Objective of RYLA
To develop personal and leadership skills with a focus placed on communication, problem-solving and management abilities. The program also introduces young people to the joys and responsibilities of community service, global citizenship, and Rotary International's Vision:
“Together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.”
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.