Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Program

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: Monday, October 2, 2023

Application Deadline: Friday, December 15, 2023 (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 sophomores, junior and senior students may apply and be considered. Participants are selected on the basis of their academic achievements, school and community service activities, hobbies and recreational interests, and other meaningful accomplishments. A short paragraph expressing their motivation about, “Why I want to attend RYLA” is also required. Neatness, accuracy, and meeting the deadline are critical. It is mandatory that students stay for the full Program. No exceptions!

Rotary Club of Greater Huntsville is pleased to sponsor six (6) individuals. Slots fill up quickly so submit your application soon!

What

RYLA 2024 is a program sponsored by Rotary International; and organized 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 US 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! It is mandatory that students stay for the full Program. No exceptions!

Where

RYLA 2024 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 15-17, 2024. 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. It is mandatory that students stay for the full Program. No exceptions!

Cost

For attending students, there is no cost since RYLA is a program offered and sponsored by Rotary. Registration and program fees ($375) are paid by the sponsoring Rotary Club.

Questions | Application Submission

Rotary Club of Greater Huntsville
RYLA Coordinator – Beth Brooks
tcbrooks@bellsouth.net

Parent-Guardian Information

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Mailing Address

Rotary Club of Greater Huntsville
P.O. Box 772
Huntsville, AL 35804