Work in this area of service recognizes the positive change implemented by youth and young adults through leadership development activities, service projects, and exchange programs that enrich and foster world peace and cultural understanding.

Student of the Month Awards

The East Lansing Rotary Club in conjunction with East Lansing High School select the Student(s) of the Month Awards.  These awards are based upon criteria that include involvement in school activities, community service and their grade point average (GPA). The purpose of the award is to highlight young people who exemplify the values held in esteem by all Rotarians.

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Student Excellence Awards

The Student Excellence Award is presented to motivated high school students who have demonstrated good character and citizenship through activities in school and the community, and who have demonstrated personal growth by overcoming adversities.

The award includes a certificate and a monetary donation for future educational advancement, which is presented to the students at the Senior Honors Night.

The students are nominated by the counseling staff at East Lansing High School.

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Rotary Interact, High School Students

Interact is Rotary’s service club for youth ages 12-18. Interact clubs can be community-based or school-based. Individual Rotary clubs sponsor Interact clubs and provide them with support and guidance, but each Interact club is self-governing and self-supporting. The goals of Interact include developing leadership skills and personal integrity, demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others, understanding the value of individual responsibility and hard work, and advancing international understanding and goodwill.

Rotary Rotaract, College Students

Rotaract is Rotary’s service club for young adults ages 18-30. University-based clubs consist of undergraduate and graduate students who meet on campus. Community based clubs consist of young adults from various backgrounds, regardless of their professional or academic status. All Rotaract clubs are sponsored by a local Rotary club and conduct community and international service projects. Rotaract clubs also focus on leadership and professional development activities.

Rotary High School Youth Leadership Academy

Rotary Youth Leadership Academy is Rotary’s leadership training program for young people. RYLA participants range from age 14 to 30, so most clubs and districts choose to focus on a specific age group, such as 14-18, 19-24, or 25-30. RYLA emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal growth. The program demonstrates Rotary’s respect and concern for youth by providing an effective training experience for potential leaders, encouraging leadership of youth by youth, and publicly recognizing young people who serve their communities.

Rotary Youth Exchange

This is Rotary’s exchange program for youth and young adults. It allows students to spend up to a year living in a different country and learning a new culture. Students ages 15-19 can participate in a long-term exchange of up to one year, or they can choose a short-term exchange, which can last from several days to several weeks. New Generations Exchanges for young adults ages 18-25 can range from a few weeks to three months. Rotary clubs and districts sponsor exchange participants, who serve as ambassadors for their countries.