Youth Service

Note: All Rotarians working with youth under the age of 18 must complete bi-annual Youth Protection training.

Rotaract

Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young men and women ages 18 to 30. Rotaract clubs are either community or university based, and they’re sponsored by a local Rotary club. This makes them true “partners in service” and key members of the family of Rotary.

Interact

Interact is Rotary International’s service club for young people ages 12 to 18. Interact clubs are sponsored by individual Rotary clubs, which provide support and guidance, but they are self-governing and self-supporting.

RYLA

It is all about Rotarians working with youth in leadership development. It is an intensive training program for High School Juniors who are chosen for their proven or potential leadership abilities. Students attend an all-expense paid camp in Idyllwild Pines, California for three days in the spring. Camp is organized by Rotarians and facilitated by RYLA student Alumni. The RYLA event is sponsored by District 5320 and the 45 local Rotary Clubs. Students are joined by talented young people from communities throughout the district. RYLA provides a memorable opportunity to learn, grow, have fun, and make new friends.

Scouting

Since their inception, Rotary International (1905) and the Boy Scouts of America (1910) have been partners in serving young people. The principles and goals of both organizations are closely allied. Character-building; service to country, to others, and to self; teaching leadership skills; and becoming aware of the world around us–these are all incorporated into the programs and activities of each organization.

Global Grant Scholars

The purpose of the Global Grant Scholarship Program is to help prepare students for careers in one of Rotary’s Six Areas of Focus and to foster international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries. While abroad, scholars serve as ambassadors of goodwill to the people of the host country and give presentations about their homelands to Rotary clubs and other groups. Upon returning home, scholars share with local Rotarians and others the experiences that led to greater understanding of their host countries.

Peace Scholars

Rotary Peace Scholars are leaders promoting national and international cooperation, peace, and the successful resolution of conflict throughout their lives, in their careers, and through service activities. Fellows can earn either a master’s degree in international relations, public administration, sustainable development, peace studies, conflict resolution, or a related field, or a professional development certificate in peace and conflict resolution.

Scholars are chosen from countries and cultures around the globe based on their ability to have a significant, positive impact on world peace and conflict resolution during their careers.

Youth Exchange

Rotary Youth Exchange students spend up to a year living with a few host families and attending school in a different country.

Whether students participate in Rotary’s long-term or short-term Youth Exchange programs, they will learn a new way of living, a great deal about themselves, and maybe even a new language. They will also be a Rotary ambassador, teaching people they meet about their home country, culture, and ideas. Exchange students help bring the world closer – and make some good friends in the process.

More than 8,000 young people each year have experiences like these through Rotary Youth Exchange. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime.

Youth Protection Section

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