Leadership starts long before someone steps into a boardroom or takes on a professional title. For high school students across Arizona, the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) offers an opportunity to start developing those skills now.
Hosted by Rotary District 5495, RYLA is a leadership program for students in grades 9–12 designed to help young people strengthen their confidence, communication, teamwork and leadership skills. The 2027 RYLA will take place January 15–18, 2027, at Camp Pinerock in Prescott, Arizona.
Throughout the four-day experience, students participate in activities centered around key areas of leadership, including collaboration, personal growth, public speaking, ethics and cross-cultural communication. Students are placed into teams and take part in programming that encourages them to learn from one another, take on new challenges and develop skills they can bring back to their schools and communities.
The experience combines leadership development with hands-on activities. RYLA programming includes team-building exercises, problem-solving initiatives and low- and high-challenge course experiences. Students also have opportunities to interact with Rotary Youth Exchange students, giving them the chance to learn about different cultures and perspectives.
Who Can Apply?
RYLA is open to high school students who reside within Rotary District 5495. Students do not have to be members of an Interact Club to be considered. The program is intended for young people who demonstrate leadership potential and an interest in continuing to develop their personal and leadership skills.
After submitting an application, students are contacted by a local Rotary Club for a follow-up interview. Local Rotary Clubs select and sponsor the students who attend as delegates. For students selected to participate, the sponsoring Rotary Club provides a scholarship covering the cost of the RYLA weekend, including the program, housing and meals.
Applications Are Open Now
Student delegate applications for the 2027 RYLA are open September 1 through October 31, 2026. Students selected to participate must commit to attending the entire four-day program.
Programs like RYLA provide young people with opportunities to develop skills that can serve them in school, their future careers and their communities. For families, educators, employers and community leaders who know a high school student ready to challenge themselves, meet new people and continue growing as a leader, this is an opportunity worth sharing.
2027 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
January 15–18, 2027
Camp Pinerock | Prescott, Arizona
Student Application Deadline: October 31, 2026
To learn more about RYLA District 5495, student applications and the upcoming program, visit ryla5495pinerock.org.
Questions?
A.J. Sheridan, RYLA 5495 Chair
[email protected]
928-308-6780
