Sunday May 8, 2024. Interact student bake sale fundraiser at Santa Day in the Park with our Rotary Club.
 
Students of our local Interact Club have been making a difference in our community and in the world since the year 2000. They have great fun too! The club carries out two service projects every year: one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding.
GSS Interact students inspire us with their demonstration of leadership skills, their ability to build connections, and their progressive development through other Rotary youth leadership programs including Adventures Programs, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), and Youth Exchange. (Left - The Interact Club of GSS Fly on the Wall Fundraiser).
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
 
RYLA is a program coordinated by Rotary Clubs around the globe. Each year, thousands of young people participate in this program. Young people ages 13–30 are sponsored by Rotary Clubs to attend the event run by the club's district committee. Participants are chosen for their leadership potential. Rotary Clubs and the Rotary District cover all expenses for the participants. The format of the event vary from district to district, but commonly take the form of a seminar, camp, or workshop to discuss leadership skills and to learn those skills through practice. Rotary clubs and districts select participants and facilitate the event's curriculum.
 
RYLA aims to:
  • Demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth;
  • Provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders;
  • Encourage leadership of youth by youth;
  • Recognise publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities. 
Every RYLA program covers the following core topics:
  • Fundamentals of leadership
  • Ethics of positive leadership
  • Importance of communication skills in effective leadership
  • Problem-solving and conflict management
  • Rotary's purpose and service to the community
  • Building self-confidence and self-esteem
  • Elements of community and global citizenship
On October 18, 2023 
 
Youth Exchange 
 
It is an opportunity that can literally change your life!  A Long-term exchange that lasts a full academic year, and students attend local schools and live with multiple host families in another country in the world.
A Fantastic Opportunity
Candidates are ages 15-19 and that are leaders in their schools and communities can apply.  Contact your local Rotary club to see what exchange opportunities are available and what the application process involves.

Rotary Youth Exchange builds peace one young person at a time.
Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Exchanges for students ages 15-19 are sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries.
What are the benefits?
Exchange students unlock their true potential to:
  • Develop lifelong leadership skills
  • Learn a new language and culture
  • Build lasting friendships with young people from around the world
  • Become a global citizen
How long do exchanges last?
Long-term exchanges last a full academic year, and students attend local schools and live with multiple host families.
Short-term exchanges last from several days to three months and are often structured as camps, tours, or homestays that take place when school is not in session.
What are the costs?
Room and board are provided, as well as any school fees. Each program varies, but students are usually responsible for:
  • Round-trip airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Travel documents (such as passports and visas)
  • Spending money and any additional travel or tours
How can I apply?
Candidates are ages 15-19 and are leaders in their schools and communities. Contact your local Rotary club to see what exchange opportunities are available and what the application process involves.
Rotary Youth Exchange Annual Report
Rotary Youth Exchange inspires young leaders to serve as catalysts for peace and social justice in their local communities and throughout the world, long after their exchanges end. This program is possible because of the dedication, leadership, and passion of the tens of thousands of volunteers — Rotary members and nonmembers alike — who make this unique program so successful.
Read the latest about how Rotary Youth Exchange is a catalyst for service, cultural understanding, and lifelong connections to Rotary.