Overview
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive 3-day leadership training program and experience geared toward high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. This annual event is financially sponsored by numerous Rotary Clubs throughout Alabama with only 96 total spots available. Students will focus on leadership training, team building, and learn about the values of Rotary’s Service Above Self. The program will also include a “Mini-Space Camp”.
Each participating Rotary Club determines their number of available slots and selects the individuals to attend. Upon review of the program with their parents and/or legal guardian, students may submit an application for consideration. Participants are selected on the basis of academic achievements, school and community service activities, hobbies and recreational interests, and other meaningful accomplishments. RYLA is held at the U.S Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville and includes overnight stays. Rotary members will be present throughout the event along with well-trained employees and counselors of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center to supervise. It is mandatory that students stay for the full Program so please ensure no scheduling conflicts exist prior to submitting an application.
APPLICATION DATES
Application Opens: Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Application Deadline: Monday, December 2, 2024 (Hard Deadline. No applications will be accepted past this date.)
Once an application is received and approved, it will then be forwarded to U.S. Space and Rocket Center for final processing. USSRC will email a link to the designated parent/guardian in order to complete the online registration and student health information. The turnaround time may take several weeks.
Who
Accomplished High School sophomore, junior and senior students may apply and be considered. Participants are selected on the basis of their academic achievements, school and community service activities, their hobbies and recreational interests and a short paragraph about, “Why I want to attend RYLA”. Neatness and accuracy matter. The sponsoring Rotary Club will select those who attend. Rotary members will be present throughout the weekend along with well-trained employees and counselors of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center to supervise.
Rotary Club of Greater Huntsville is pleased to sponsor six (6) individuals. Slots fill up quickly so submit your application soon!
What
RYLA 2025 is a program sponsored by Rotary International, and conducted by the Local Rotary Districts on a regional basis. Rotary District 6860 and the Rotary Clubs of Huntsville, Greater Huntsville, Madison, Madison Evening, and the Rotaract of Huntsville, plan and conduct the annual North Alabama RYLA Program in partnership with the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Individual Rotary Clubs solicit applicants and select those they wish to sponsor. The three-day program consists of lectures and discussions with skilled and prominent leaders, group and team building activities, leadership training, fellowship, good food, and of course a MINI-SPACE CAMP!
Where
RYLA 2025 will take place at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Students will stay at the center in “camp-type” housing with 24-hour supervision provided by staff counselors.
When
February 20-22, 2025. Participants are to arrive on Thursday late afternoon for check-in and depart Saturday afternoon. Scheduled arrival and departure times are still to be determined. During the program days, students will focus on leadership training, team building, and learning about the values of Rotary. The program will also include a “Mini-Space Camp”. It is mandatory that students stay for the full Program. No exceptions!
Why
RYLA offers young future leaders an opportunity to meet in an exciting setting to share fellowship, develop leadership skills and learn decision making skills based on the Rotary Four-Way Test: 1) Is it the truth? 2) Is it fair for all concerned? 3) Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4) Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Cost
There are no fees for the student. The registration fee will be paid by the sponsoring Rotary Club. The cost to attend is $400 per student.
Questions | Application Submission
Contact your local Rotary Club of Greater Huntsville RYLA Coordinator:
Chris Kern
kern_chris@yahoo.com
256-975-3189
Parent-Guardian Information
Application Form
Mailing Address
Rotary Club of Greater Huntsville
P.O. Box 772
Huntsville, AL 35804