Apply by March 31 for '22 RYLA Conference
Applications are now being accepted for the Rotary District 7910's Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Conference, to be held June 24 or June 25 (two cohorts) as well as this June 26, at Fitchburg State University
Application Deadline: March 31, 2022
DESKTOP: To view and download the Application Form in PDF format, click the Pop-out button in the upper-right corner of the Form image at left.
SMARTPHONE: To view and download the Application Form in PDF format, click on the Form image at left.
All Acton and Boxborough high-school students finishing their sophomore year are welcome to apply. This includes students of either Acton-Boxborough Regional High School or Minuteman High School, home-schooled students, and other students. There are no costs for the students. Rotary clubs pays the expenses of providing the weekend of leadership training. However, there is a limit to how many students can participate.
The Conference is aimed at giving sophomores an opportunity to develop their leadership potential. It will feature many thought-provoking events that will provide RYLAns with a chance to excel among and with their peers. Events will include the following:
Interactive Leadership Labs
Exciting guest speakers
Challenging mental and physical activities - to provide RYLAns with a chance to excel among and with their peers
RYLA students will work and interact together with other students their age in an atmosphere of friendly competition. The program will challenge the students to utilize and improve their skills and accept the responsibilities of leadership. Topics will include the following:
Critical thinking
Decision-making and ethics
Communicating effectively
Public service
The Rotary Club of Acton-Boxborough will conduct interviews and award scholarships for the '22 RYLA Conference. APPLY EARLY! Your applications and essays must be submitted by Thursday, March 31 for you to be eligible to attend this year's event.
If you have any questions, contact club Past President Marianne Fleckner at mfleckner@acton-ma.gov.
The application link and instructions are below. For additional information, click here
Application and Essay Instructions:
1. Application: Please review the application and details below, and complete the application form by clicking here.
2. References: You do not need a either a written recommendation or a reference. You need only to list the name and contact information of the reference on the application so the RYLA Board may contact the reference with questions.
School Reference: Please list either a counselor, teacher, advisor, or coach who knows you and would recommend you for this kind of program. Please ask the person if it is alright to use her or him as a reference. You must include the person’s first and last name. The school’s phone number is 978-264-4700.
Personal Reference: Please list an adult outside of school (not a family member) who knows you and would recommend you for this kind of program. This may be someone you know through a job and/or volunteering or as a coach, a neighbor, or someone you know through a religious organization. Please ask the person if it is alright to use her or him as a reference. You must include the person’s first and last name and her or his correct phone number.
3. Required Essay: Applicants are asked to write an essay on “What leadership skills do you presently possess and what skills would you like to build by attending RYLA?” The essay must be no more than one page and submitted with the application.
4. Interviews: The Rotary Committee will read the applications and interview all applicants as part of the decision-making process. Each applicant will be contacted by e-mail to schedule her or his interview with the Committee. The selection process is about who will benefit the most from attending RYLA. This may be one or more of the following:
Students already showing leadership skills who will gain a lot by improving them.
Students with other skills who will benefit from leadership training.
At the conclusion of the interview process, the Rotary Committee will choose the conference delegates.
After the interviews, the Rotary Committee will notify all applicants of the selection results. Delegates and alternates will also be notified about the formal registration process.
Students and parents/caregivers with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact club Past President Marianne Fleckner at mfleckner@acton-ma.gov.
