We, the members of the Rotary Clubs throughout District 7280, are conducting our 40th RYLA Conference in 2024. 

As a community service project, we have designed it to help produce responsible and effective young leaders who will be needed to meet the challenges of the future.

SPECIFIC RYLA OBJECTIVES

• To give public recognition to the many young people who are already rendering important service to our communities.

• To encourage and develop young leaders and potential leaders by providing them with a meaningful training experience.

• To demonstrate further, Rotary's respect and concern for our youth.

THE CONFERENCE

Approximately 100 high school seniors from northwestern Pennsylvania will attend our RYLA Conference beginning Sunday afternoon, June 9 and ending Friday evening, June 14, 2024. During this 5 1/2-day period, they will be using the classrooms, campus, and residence hall facilities at Westminster College. Participating Rotary Clubs will select the participants, pay their expenses, and ensure transportation to and from the Conference.

CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES

The intensive schedule is filled with stimulating lectures and discussions of leadership skills, youth-related concerns, public issues, community service activities, career guidance, and recreation.  Evenings are devoted to varied activities such as organizing a talent show, recreation activities, campus movies and concerts, and social events.

STAFF

The Conference will be directed by qualified educators, assisted by the RYLA Board of Directors and Rotary professionals.  In addition, lectures and discussions will be presented by experts and leaders in business, law, government, and the community.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Any young man or woman -- regardless of race, creed, or color

1. Who will be a high school senior in September 2024, and

2. Who has demonstrated leadership potential in school, church, or community service, and

3. Who has a desire to develop his or her leadership potential, and

4. Who will contribute to making the conference a meaningful experience for others.

When nominating student participants, please verify that the students will be able to stay for the entire program without any other commitments.  The program is very demanding and you should be very careful in your selection.

INFORMATION FORMS AND MEDICAL REPORTS

Successful candidates will receive detailed information regarding the conference via email.  Once a commitment is made, selected candidates should be prepared to attend the Conference unless an emergency or illness arises.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact Sarah O’Malley (sarah@sarahomalley.com), Secretary & RYLA Chair for the Rotary Club of Greenville, PA.

FAQ’S

WHAT IS RYLA?

• RYLA = Rotary Youth Leadership Award

• RYLA is a youth leadership conference held annually at Westminster College and sponsored by local Rotary Clubs in District 7280.

• The conference features 5 ½ days of activities that include lectures and discussions of leadership skills, youth-related concerns, public issues, community service, career guidance, and recreational activities.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

• Eligible candidates include any young man or woman, regardless of race, creed, or color, who will be a high school senior in September and has demonstrated leadership potential in school, church, or community service. They also should have a desire to develop his or her leadership potential and will contribute to making the conference a meaningful experience for others.

• Candidates must be enrolled at one of the following high schools: Commodore Perry, Greenville, Jamestown, or Reynolds.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

• There is no cost to the student to attend. The Rotary Club of Greenville sponsors the 4 students we select to attend. Typically one student is selected from each school listed above.

WHAT IS THE OBJECTIVE?

• To offer outstanding high school seniors an opportunity to live, work, and play together in an atmosphere of friendly competition which will offer a challenge for the students to accept the responsibility of leadership. Much of each student's time will be structured with programs such as group discussions, guest speakers, career guidance, group sports, newsletter, and chorus. Perhaps the greatest benefit will come from sharing this experience with the approximately 100 other outstanding young men and women from high schools in this District.

WHO SUPERVISES THE EVENT?

• It will be staffed by carefully selected counselors and teachers. See the brochure linked above for more info.