Programs Supporting Youth

We help create the next generation of leaders — and we know there are many paths to leadership. We believe in investing in our future by empowering young people, helping them learn leadership skills, and giving them opportunities to have cross-cultural experiences.

Rotary Youth Exchange

Rotary Youth Exchange builds peace, one student at a time. It is one of the oldest and largest international study exchange programs for high school students, who serve as cultural ambassadors. Students are immersed in the culture of another country, and they gain fluency in a new language. What the program offers to and asks of participants — an openness to new ideas and experiences, a willingness to adapt and to gain new perspectives, and an opportunity to make new friends and learn new ways of living — are the same values that define Rotary itself.
 

STAR Student / Teacher

Rotary recognizes and honors students and teachers who are making an impact. The STAR program honors Georgia’s highest-achieving high school seniors and the teachers who have been most instrumental in their academic development. The purpose of the program is threefold: 1) to recognize academic achievement in Georgia’s high schools and to motivate students to be good scholars and high achievers; 2) to honor excellence in teaching, to promote teaching as a career, and to encourage outstanding teachers to remain in the classroom; and 3) to demonstrate the business community’s commitment to excellence in education and to increase interaction between students and the business community.

Laws of Life

Rotary supports character education in schools through the Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest. Students select their own “law of life”—a saying or quotation that points to a core personal value or ideal--and write about how the “law” applies to their lives. In doing so, students reflect deeply and write from the heart about what they think matters most. The contest celebrates the students’ stories and their often profound reflections, and offers significant cash awards to students and teachers.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

Rotary supports the next generation of community leaders. Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive training program for future leaders. During a weeklong summer camp held on a college campus, teens from around our Rotary district come together to develop character and leadership skills and to learn about Rotary. RYLA also gives Rotarians the opportunity to mentor promising young leaders who are on the path to becoming professional and community leaders. In turn, RYLA can bring new energy to a Rotary club and district, inspire ideas for service, increase support of community service projects, and develop future Rotarians.

Be THE Voice

Rotary helps schools use the power of peers for good. Be THE Voice is a student-led, video-based program that helps schools reduce bullying and strengthen belonging. The program provides a structured, easy-to-implement approach that supports these goals without adding to staff workload or requiring new curriculum. Be THE Voice empowers students to use tech wisely, promotes positive peer influence, and reinforces character education themes.