Welcome
RYLA University 2026
RYLA University 2026 will be held on Monday June 29 to Thursday July 2 at Drew University in Madison.
RYLA 2026 registration is now open. If you are an interested student or their parent or guardian, please contact your local Rotary Club. If you do not know your local club, or if they are not participating in the RYLA program, click this link then complete the form and submit it. We will contact you to assist and answer your questions.
For information on RYLA 2026, you can access the Participant & Parent/Guardian Handbook, and Program FAQs at the adjacent links. The documents contain detailed information on the program.
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 the program ends.
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