The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program has been an official program of Rotary since 1971. RYLA is a transformational leadership conference open to 18 to 30-year-olds looking to develop their leadership potential, build lasting connections and gain new insights and experiences.​​​ 

It focuses on: 

• Providing young, emerging leaders with a range of leadership skills, techniques, and tools they can use at work, study and in the community. 

• Developing young leaders who celebrate diversity, create sustainable change, and become service-minded global citizens. 

• Personal development, leadership, and teamwork. 

• Learning strategies for managing conflict resolution, working in teams, and overcoming challenges. 

• Professional development and connecting participants with opportunities to serve the community through Rotary. 

• The combination of leadership skill development and vocational training helps young people discover their potential and hone their skills. 

RYLA is best described as a ‘challenge by choice’ program: participants engage in various activities, including workshops, team-building exercises, outdoor activities, and guest speaker presentations. Sometimes, participants will push themselves to undertake activities outside their comfort zone – hence, challenge by choice!​ Young people, many of them graduates of the RYLA program, lead our program in a range of leadership roles, supported by experienced facilitators and mentors dedicated to helping participants achieve their full potential. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive.