Time is running out for local high school students to apply for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), an all-expense-paid leadership experience sponsored by the Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs.
Applications are open to current 10th- and 11th-graders, with the deadline set for March 13 at 6 p.m.
RYLA in the Rockies is built around this year’s theme, “Light the Way,” focusing on leadership development, open communication, trust-building and service. The immersive program encourages personal growth, leadership and citizenship through hands-on, experiential learning.
Students selected for the program will attend a professionally led, multi-day leadership retreat featuring outdoor and team-based activities such as orienteering, low-ropes courses and collaborative challenges. Participants explore ethical leadership and teamwork while strengthening communication and problem-solving skills.
The 2026 RYLA retreat will be held June 12-15 at the Golden Bell Camp and Conference Center in Divide, Colo. Transportation, lodging, meals and program costs are fully covered through Rotary scholarships.
RYLA is designed for students who demonstrate leadership potential and are involved in school, sports, clubs or community organizations. Scholarship recipients will represent Pagosa Springs at the retreat, give a short presentation to the Pagosa Springs Noon Rotary Club after returning and volunteer at a Rotary-sponsored event.
Students interested in applying should submit their application before the March 13 deadline at https://tinyurl.com/w7p63uz9
More information about the program is available at rylaintherockies.org.
For more information, students may contact Elise Mariner at elise.mariner@gmail.com.
The Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs encourages motivated students to apply and take part in this transformative leadership opportunity.
>