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ABOUT RYLA

MISSION & HISTORY.

Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary International District 7670 where students develop their skills as leaders while having fun and making connections.

 

Through a three-day and three-night leadership event, high school students within our Rotary District 7670 will experience a dynamic program that helps them realize their potential as leaders. Students in public school, private school, home school, and any other educational institution are welcome to attend. They will be exposed to techniques and perspectives to help develop their leadership skills, and be provided both structured and unstructured opportunities to learn from both peers and professionals. One of the most rewarding aspects of RYLA is that students form lasting friendships with like-minded peers.

RYLA is FREE for student attendees, who are sponsored by local Rotary Clubs.

Learning and team building takes place through group activities, including a Ropes Course, Alpine Tower, and leadership development exercises. Professional speakers will inspire and explore how to unlock students' leadership potential, and the spirit of "Service Above Self" will develop through multiple peer-to-peer experiences. 

There are a few key characteristics of the type of student that should attend RYLA: leadership potential, open-mindedness, well-behaved, be a team-player, willing to work hard and learn new skills.​

We hope you will consider applying for a spot this year! 

WHEN IS RYLA?

Thursday April 10 - Sunday April 13, 2025

WHERE IS RYLA?

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NEW LOCATION FOR RYLA 2025!!!

PLANNING COMMITTEE.

Meet your District 7670 RYLA Planning Committee, working together across over 20 counties in Western North Carolina to develop the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy event this year!

 

Vicki Lawrence | District 7670 RYLA Chair

Mike StevensonDistrict 7670 Youth Services Chair & RYLA Chair

Jim CruickshankPisgah Forest

Erik Emaus Pisgah Forest

Mike Foster Madison County

Shawn Hamm Valdese

Jennie Sorrells | Franklin

Jamie Willis | Lenoir

Karen Keating | Asheville Metro

PARTNERS.

We partner with local organizations to facilitate an incredible opportunity at no cost to our RYLA participants.

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