What is RYLA? ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS
History
RYLA was begun by a Rotary Club in Australia in 1960 and became a Rotary International Program in 1971. RYLA conferences are held each year all around the world with the goal of preparing students to be future leaders. Our District has been organizing RYLA conferences for over 10 years serving approximately 1000 students over that period.
Benefits to the Students
RYLA is a life-changing leadership training program where young people learn, develop, and enhance leadership skills and principles in an atmosphere of trust and respect. RYLA encourages and assists current and potential youth leaders in methods of responsible and effective leadership. The program is developed and led by youth leaders, supported by adult Rotarians.
High school sophomores or juniors may apply to participate in RYLA 2026 which will be held Friday, January 30 - February 1, 2026 - two nights/three days. Every attendee is sponsored by a Rotary Club. This is an Award and there is no cost to the students to participate.
Location
Florida Sea Base, Islamorada FL is an accredited Boy Scout training facility. We are fortunate to be able to use this well designed and fully staffed facility. Separate dorms and bathrooms are utilized for girls and boys. Meals and snacks are provided by the Sea Base staff. Bus transportation is provided for students in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. Florida Sea Base 73800 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
Who Can Enroll?
100 students participate in RYLA each year from Rotary District 6990 which includes Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties along with Grand Bahama Island. Students apply and are selected by the individual Rotary Clubs that sponsor them. Applications are being accepted now.
RYLA 2026 TIMELINE
October 15 - Rotary Club Student Sponsorship Deadline
October 31 - RYLA Senior Counselor Application Deadline
November 21 - RYLA Student Conferee Application Deadline
December 19 - Rotary Club RYLA Conferee Selection Deadline
January 18 - RYLA Senior Counselor Training
January 30 - February 1 - RYLA CONFERENCE
Enrollment
2026 District 6990 RYLA Student Conferee Application
2026 District 6990 RYLA Senior Counselor Application
Contact
Visit our website to apply for RYLA https://rotary6990.org/youth-programs/ For more information email: District6990RYLA@gmail.com