YOUTH PROGRAMS OVERVIEW

Rotary recognises the importance of empowering youth and young professionals through leadership development programs.  Our Rotary District is proud to support a range of programs for youth aged 14-29 years of age that cover the areas of leadership & development, international exchange & awareness and science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).  Read below for a summary of the programs we support and click on the links for more details or to apply.

Leadership & Development

RYPEN
May | Year 8, 9 & 10 or Ages 14-16

RYTS
December | Year 11-12 or Ages 17-18

RYLA
January | Ages 19-29

International Exchange & Awareness

Rotary Youth Exchange Program (YEP)
Open | Ages 15-17
Virtual Exchange Program
Ongoing | Ages 14-17
Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA)
April | Year 11-12

STEM

National Youth Science Forum (NYSF)
January | Year 12
The Santos Science Experience (TSSE)
July | Year 9-10
Engineering Summer School (ESS)
December | Year 11 (NSW students only)

LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

APPLICATIONS OPEN
RYPEN (Year 8-10)
 
Next Camp: 3-5 May 2024
Cost: $350
 
RYPEN is a residential camp that takes place over 2.5 days and is designed for school students aged between 14-16 (Year 8-10) that focuses on the development of self-concept, relationships, and is designed to develop skills that will assist them in the transition to adulthood.
 
APPLICATIONS CLOSED
RYTS (Year 11-12)
 
Next Camp: 2025 (TBC)
Cost: TBC
 
RYTS is a leadership & development program with a focus on assisting the transition from study into the next phase of life. The program is delivered at a 6 day residential camp for students who are in the senior years of school (Year 11-12) or who are aged between 17-18 if not within a school system.
 
APPLICATIONS CLOSED
RYLA (Ages 19-29)
 
Next Camp: 2025 (TBC)
Cost: TBC
 
RYLA is a personal, professional development seminar program for young people aged between 19-29. The program is delivered at a 6 day residential camp. It focuses on enhancing leadership, communication, motivation, teamwork and interpersonal skills as well as building self-awareness of mental health and well-being, knowledge of a sense of community and a sense of belonging.
 
FIND OUT MORE

INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE & AWARENESS

APPLICATIONS OPEN
Rotary Youth Exchange Program
(YEP)
 
Next Program: Commencing soon
Cost: Varies depending on location
 
YEP provides opportunity for long and short-term international exchange with another country for students 15 to 17 years old to immerse themselves in another culture, learn a new language, and develop their skills as leaders and global citizens.  Students are hosted by a local Rotary club, attend school in their host country for up to a full academic year, and stay with one or more host families for that period.
 
APPLICATIONS OPEN
Rotary Virtual Youth Exchange
 
 
Next Program: Ongoing
Cost: TBC
 
Provides the opportunity to be paired with a student and their family abroad for a virtual Rotary Youth Exchange Program for between 8-12 weeks. Participants will get an insight into the life and culture of a student living in another country from the comfort and safety of their own home.
 
APPLICATIONS OPEN
Model United Nations Assembly
(MUNA)
 
Next Program: 6 April 2024
Cost: $400
 
For teams of Year 11-12 students, MUNA is a one day event that encourages them to learn about other nations and to understand and appreciate the workings of the United Nations while they develop debating skills and gain self-confidence in public speaking.
 

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATHS (STEM)

APPLICATIONS CLOSED
National Youth Science Forum
(NYSF)
 
Next Program: January 2025
Cost: TBC
 
NYSF is a not-for-profit organization which offers a variety of immersive and transformative youth-led experiences promoting science and science-related areas. The programs are conducted for students entering Year 12 in January each year.
 
APPLICATIONS OPEN
The Santos Science Experience (TSSE)
 
Next Program: 4 - 6 July 2023
Cost: $210
 
Externally facilitated, TSSE provides 3-4 days hands on science participation at top universities and tertiary institutions for students of Years 9-10. It is designed to provide students, who have an interest in science, the opportunity to engage in a wide range of hands on science activities under the guidance of scientists who are dedicated science professionals.
 
APPLICATIONS CLOSED
Engineering Summer School (ESS)
 
Next Program: TBC
Cost: TBC
 
Externally facilitated over 5 days, ESS brings together students who are about to enter their final year of high school (Year 12) in NSW and ACT. It provides students with the opportunity to aid them in their decision of which engineering discipline and university they wish to study.