Youth Programs

Rotary believes in developing the next generation of leaders. Our programs help younger leaders build leadership skills, expand education and learn the value of service.

Interact

Interact gives students ages 12-18 the chance to make a real difference while having fun. Every Interact club carries out two service projects a year: one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding.
 
Clubs meet at least twice a month and are sponsored by their local Rotary club. When you sponsor an Interact club, you’re helping young people:
  • connect with community leaders
  • develop leadership skills
  • make international connections
  • discover more opportunities to connect with Rotary, including Rotaract, RYLA, and Youth Exchange

Rotaract

 
Here's what you can expect from becoming a Rotaractor:
  • Have loads of fun while making new friends
  • Work on local and international projects with other young professionals 
  • Gain leadership skills through hands-on projects
  • Learn new skills through Rotary's many training programs
  • Enhance public speaking skills through Rotary's affiliation with Toastmasters
  • Network with members of your club, members of your community, and over 1 million Rotarians worldwide

This youth program was created in 1968 and is designed to promote responsible citizenship and leadership in young persons 18-30 years of age.  The first Mississauga club was chartered in 1998.  There are some 7200 Rotaract clubs around the world with approximately 165,000 members.  These Rotaract clubs emphasize the importance of individual responsibility as the basis of personal success and community involvement.  Each annually sponsors a project to promote high ethical standards in business and in their professional lives.  

"Rotaract" stands for "Rotary in Action", although the name originally comes from a combination of "Interact" (International + Action), the high school level program created by Rotary International in 1962.

Most Rotaract activities take place at the club level. Rotaract clubs hold formal meetings, usually every two weeks, which feature speakers, special outings, social activities, discussions or visits to other clubs. Club members get together on designated days for service project work, social events, or professional/leadership development workshops.

Facebook Rotaract Mississauga

Rotaract Club of Mississauga
It is amazing what can be done with the right attitude and effort. Needless to say we are all very proud of your club and the impact you are making in the community and the world. The humanitarian work of Rotary is safe in your hands! You are the future of Rotary but more importantly you are our present!!... ROTARACT, Rotary in Action! 

Camp Enterprise

Camp Enterprise provides senior high school students with an introduction to professional, business owner and management careers, through 3 ½ days of exposure to the private enterprise system, the art of negotiation skills, insights into business concepts and the opportunity to have face-to-face discussions with business leaders.

It is an opportunity that can literally change your life! 

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

 

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.