EarlyAct, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), Interact and Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) are the four programs inspiring young People of Action across Rhode Island, Southern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket.  

At Rotary District 7950, we believe young people are not just future leaders—they are driving positive change in our communities today! From elementary classrooms in Providence and Plymouth to high school clubs across Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Warwick, our youth programs empower students to discover their voice, build character, and embrace Rotary’s core value: Service Above Self.

Through hands-on service projects, mentorship, leadership academies, and global exchanges, Rotary offers a continuous pathway of personal and professional growth for youth from ages 5 to 19.

Our Youth Programs

• EarlyAct™ (Ages 5–13)

  Building Character & Citizenship in Elementary & Middle Schools

  EarlyAct™ is a school-wide service club sponsored by local Rotary clubs. It introduces young students to community responsibility, empathy, and teamwork. Members identify and carry out hands-on service projects that benefit their local MA and RI schools, surrounding communities, and international causes.

  • Watch this video about EarlyAct™

• Interact (Ages 12–18)

  High School Leadership, Community Service  & Global Awareness

  Interact gives high school students the autonomy to connect, organize impactful local service initiatives, and develop lifelong leadership skills. Every year, Interact clubs complete at least two major projects: one benefiting their local neighborhood and one promoting international understanding and goodwill.

  • What is Interact? 

• Rotary Youth Leadership Awards — RYLA

  Intensive Leadership Development & Experiential Learning

  RYLA is an immersive weekend leadership conference designed for high school students and sponsored through the local Rotary Club. Through collaborative problem-solving challenges, team-building activities, and workshops led by alumni leaders students return to their schools and towns energized and equipped to make a positive impact.

  • Learn More About RYLA

• Rotary Youth Exchange — RYE (Ages 15–19)

  Cultural Immersion & Youth Peace Ambassador Opportunities

  Rotary Youth Exchange unlocks transformational opportunities both long and short term, for high school students to study abroad or host international students right here in Southern MA, Cape Cod, the Islands, and Rhode Island. Participants build cross-cultural understanding, learn new languages, and serve as student ambassadors for peace.

  • Why RYE? 

Featured Event: Annual District Youth Conference

Last year the District Youth Conference: "United for a Greener Tomorrow" was planned by the Students for the Students

Join student leaders from across District 7950 for an empowering day of interactive discussions, inspiring guest speakers, and hands-on activities addressing environmental sustainability and local community action!

• Who: Interact Clubs, Exchange Students, and High School Students (Grades 9–12).

• Includes: Interactive workshops, guest speakers, lunch, and snacks.

 

 

Get Connected & Take Action

Whether you are a student or an educator seeking to launch a service club in your school, a parent interested in leadership opportunities for your child, or a Rotarian ready to sponsor a program, District 7950 is here to support you. Contact Diane for all the info and next steps!

District Leadership Contact: Diane Cloutier
District 7950 Youth Programs Chair