September 2025 | How RYLA makes a difference

An Interact Club is a student-run service club (ages 12–18), sponsored by Rotary, that connects local high school students with their community and the world.

 

Each year, clubs lead at least two projects:  Local impact → strengthen ties with school + neighborhood, and International impact → promote global understanding & peace.

 

The benefits for students include Leadership & Teamwork (running real projects, building management + communication skills), Community Impact (working with peers & local leaders to improve towns and schools), Global Connection (linking with Interact Clubs worldwide for international service), Friendships & Networking, and many more opportunities.  

 

Rotary Youth Exchange is for students ages 15-18-1/2 years old.  There are short and long term exchanges.

Short Term Exchange:  Family to family exchange during the summer. Each child spends 3-4 weeks in the other country exploring the area and learning their culture.

Long Term Exchange:  Students spend an academic year in another country. Club who sponsors outbound students are expected to take an inbound student. 

Applications for each program are accepted in September. 

 

Promoting critical thinking and ethical decision making.

Practice public speaking skills

Showcases issues high school students care about

Encourages scholarship and academic research

Exposure to Rotary 

 

Exposure to school personnel, students and parents

Interaction with the local Interact Club

Partner with local businesses such as law firm or accounting firm to sponsor a project that promotes ethical decision making

Participation as a judge, Timekeeper or Teller

Meet a requirement for a Youth Program District Governor Award

 

RYLA at Camp Neidig is a four-day and three night camp during the Father's Day weekend. It is an in-person leadership camp for high school juniors. Sponsored by local Rotary Clubs, attendees are chosen based on their leadership potential. The experience includes group discussions, hands-on problem solving challentes, team-building activities, speakers, Q&A sessions, decision-making workships, and outdoor activities.

 

STEM YEA is a 3-1/2 day STEM immersive STEM experience for 7th graders.