Youth Programs
One of the Pillars of Rotary is supporting education, and that means supporting youth! We are committed to offering several well-established and successful programs to Burlington kids. These opportunities are life-altering experiences that cost little to nothing for participants and families.
RYLA
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where you develop your skills as a leader while having fun and making connections.
RYLA events are organized locally by Rotary clubs and districts for participants ages 14-30. Depending on community needs, RYLA may take the form of a one-day seminar, a three-day retreat, or a weeklong camp. Typically, events last 3-10 days and include presentations, activities, and workshops covering a variety of topics.
Your community might host a RYLA event for secondary school students to hone their leadership potential, for university students to develop creative problem-solving strategies, or for young professionals to learn ethical business practices.
Contact us for more info about how to apply!
Speech Contest
The annual Rotary Speech Contest is open to any high school age child. There are several rounds and opportunities to advance to the regional district level while winning cash prizes along the way… up to $1,750 in total!
2026 Speech Contest Topic:
How can we be instruments of peace?
Prepare & deliver a five-minute speech, which relates this topic to your life, school, neighbors, and Rotary Values. Memorization not required. Details at https://rotary7850.org/sitepage/speech-contest/district-speech-contest
Prize levels
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CLUB ROUND 1 - PRIZE $200
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AREA ROUND 2 - PRIZE $300
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DISTRICT ROUND 3 - PRIZE $500 for the Two Finalists
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DISTRICT ROUND 4 - PRIZE $750 WINNER & $500 RUNNER-UP
Two contestants from Round 3 will speak at District 7850 Conference held on Sat., June 13, 2026 at Hotel Estrimont, Orford (Quebec), Canada. Must have required documents for border crossing.
Imagination Library
https://imaginationlibrary.com/
Dolly Parton started the program in 1995, with the goal of supporting kids in her come county in Tennessee. Now the program is serving over 3 Million kids in 5 countries!
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, no matter their family’s income.
Burlington Rotary club pays for the program in our City and is currently serving more 300 kids!