Welcome
What is RYLA?
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a Rotary International program. It is an intensive leadership experience where young people develop their skills as a leader while having fun and making connections with fellow students, community leaders, inspirational speakers and peer mentors. The program combines classroom and physical activities designed to develop team building and reliance on others. Locally it is managed by Rotary Districts 7475 and 7490 in cooperation with the Rotaract Club of Leadership and Service who lead RYLA University.
Participants are high school juniors entering their senior year this fall. Sophomores and seniors may be eligible with advanced approval. Participants must not turn 18 until after June 30, 2025.
Participants are selected and sponsored by their local Rotary club who donate the program tuition. Successful candidates will be students who have exhibited excellence in character and scholarship and have demonstrated a desire to lead.
Program leaders are members of the Rotaract Club of Leadership and Service. These Rotractors are young adults dedicated to the ideals of RYLA. They have the age and training that allows them to connect with and understand the needs of the program participants. They also have the energy and enthusiasm required to keep the participants active and motivated.
For more information on RYLA, take a few minutes and watch the videos below.
Overview of RYLA from Rotary International: Rotary International RYLA Info Video
Program Director David Edelstein interviews Rotary International Past President Gordon McInally: Gordon McInally Interview
RYLA University 2025
RYLA University 2025 will be held at Caldwell University, 120 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell, New Jersey from Thursday morning June 26 to Sunday afternoon June 29. The program will include participants from Rotary Districts 7490 & 7475 representing the 12 counties in northern New Jersey. We are expecting around 120 students from across the region. Rotary Clubs are contacting schools and potential participants.
For Students
If you are interested in attending RYLA, download the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) in the adjacent Participant Info box. It has all the details you need to get started.
For Clubs
Only a Rotary Club can sponsor and register a participant. Download and read the RYLA 2025 Rotary Club Handbook in the Rotary Club Info box. It contains the information you need to select and sponsor participants. The Registration Link is in the same Club Info box.