Missouri RYLA Academy
Would your high school student like to create impact in the lives of those in our community? They can do just that by attending the Missouri RYLA Academy (MO RYLA): a 4-day, 3-night leadership academy for diverse incoming high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors (fall 2026) who exhibit a heart for community service. Developed by some of Missouri's top professional educators and Rotarians from Districts 6040, 6060, and 6080, the curriculum is designed to identify and enhance the qualities of servant leadership for each participant, educate them on how to successfully implement a service project, and inspire them to live a lifetime of "Service Above Self." In addition, participants are introduced to the programs and values Rotary has to offer. Established in 1992, Missouri RYLA Academy has educated and inspired more than 2,500 students statewide. It is currently recognized worldwide as a model program for Rotary International.
MO RYLA has been going strong for over thirty years! In the last three decades, over two thousand students statewide have participated, in partnership with a local Rotary Club. The RYLA staff is comprised of professional high school guidance counselors, educators and outstanding Rotarians from around the state. There is no GPA requirement to apply and family members of Rotarians are eligible to attend, but it’s not a requirement to be associated with a Rotarian.
In 2026, two academy sessions of MO RYLA will be held in Warrensburg, Missouri on the campus of University of Central Missouri:
Attending students are allowed to select their own preferred academy session date, with each session maxed at 100 participants. The registration fee is $600.00 per student, and if selected, this fee is covered by the Southeast Rotary Club here in Springfield, MO. The only financial requirement for students is they will need to provide their own transportation.
Session 1: Sunday, June 28 thru Wednesday, July 1
Session 2: Sunday, July 12 thru Wednesday, July 15
MO RYLA has been going strong for over thirty years! In the last three decades, over two thousand students statewide have participated, in partnership with a local Rotary Club. The RYLA staff is comprised of professional high school guidance counselors, educators and outstanding Rotarians from around the state. There is no GPA requirement to apply and family members of Rotarians are eligible to attend, but it’s not a requirement to be associated with a Rotarian.
In 2026, two academy sessions of MO RYLA will be held in Warrensburg, Missouri on the campus of University of Central Missouri:
Attending students are allowed to select their own preferred academy session date, with each session maxed at 100 participants. The registration fee is $600.00 per student, and if selected, this fee is covered by the Southeast Rotary Club here in Springfield, MO. The only financial requirement for students is they will need to provide their own transportation.
Session 1: Sunday, June 28 thru Wednesday, July 1
Session 2: Sunday, July 12 thru Wednesday, July 15
How can you be part of MO RYLA Academy?
First – this is a great opportunity for students who have a heart for service. If this is YOU, please read through the attached Student Expectations, then fill out the attached Application and return it to Ashley Walden by December 31, 2025. All applications will be reviewed by our Executive Board of Southeast Rotary, and those selected for sponsorship will be notified via email by January 16, 2026.
For further valuable program information, our awesome video and tips, check out the rest of the website: www.missouriryla.com
Best,
Ashley Walden
RYLA representative – Southeast Rotary of Springfield
awalden06@gmail.com
417.848.5122
