From Rotarians:
Who is responsible for payment?
Payment is from the local sponsoring Rotary club. The fee is $500.00 per student. Some clubs ask participants to pay a portion of the registration fee of $50-$100.
What grade should the student be in to attend?
We accept students who are incoming high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. We do not accept incoming freshmen or seniors who graduated from high school before or in June 2024. Contact Valerie for additional clarification.
How many students can our club sponsor?
Rotary clubs are welcome to send as many students as they can financially sponsor. There is no limitation. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each academy’s attendance is capped at 100 students per academy.
Are there marketing materials that we can share with schools or students directly?
Yes, there are. The following links are found here on the web site and the link can be shared electronically. You can also print the fliers:
This is a modern promotional flier with a qr code that appeals to students: http://www.missouriryla.com/modern-promo-flyer
This is a more traditional flier that appeals to Rotarians and clubs: http://www.missouriryla.com/traditional-promo-flyer
Here is a letter than can be shared with schools and school counselors: http://www.missouriryla.com/letter-to-school-counselor-educator
Here is the marketing video that is found on the home page of this site: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuQYwWMo7eE
How does our club select a student?
Many clubs work with their local high school guidance counselors to find the right participant. Students should be entering their sophomore, junior or senior academic year. RYLA is looking for students with a heart for service. This link can also be useful: http://www.missouriryla.com/helpful-selection-tips
What if we have club money to sponsor a student but no applicants/viable candidates? Or visa versa?
No worries! With a reach to over 160 Rotary clubs across Missouri, each spring we have been able to play “match maker” for clubs to work together to sponsor students. Contact Valerie Anderson for further information and assistance.
What kind of student should we nominate?
RYLA is looking for students with a heart for service. While selection criteria is left to each sponsoring local Rotary club, the academy does NOT have gpa or/and extracurricular requirements.
Can my child/grandchild or other family member attend? Can they participate even if they do not live in Missouri?
Yes, they can. Family members of Rotarians, such as children or grandchildren, are eligible to attend. Decisions as to if family members, local or out of state, can attend and who potentially is financially responsible for their registration is left up to the local rotary club. Accommodations can be made if a club does not want to sponsor a family member from the club. Contact me directly with your questions.
What is the difference between “Sign Up A Student” and “Registration”?
Just a quick note to explain why we have a two-part enrollment process for your student selections. We are dealing with two different “customers” who often do not have personal interaction.
For Rotary Clubs—Sign Up A Student: Because the students are minors and we have to request private medical details, we do not allow the Rotary clubs collect the information. Clubs “sign up” a student so we can move forward with the family with their portion of the enrollment for RYLA. http://www.missouriryla.com/rotary-club-sign-up-form The club is kept in the loop through the entire process via the contact Rotarian who signed the student up, officially.
For Families—Registration: Because many families do not have the Rotary information we need, we do not expect them to know details like the district or Rotarian contact information. Students and their families are responsible to finish the enrollment process for their attendance to the academy. This registration link is password protected and will only come from the director, Valerie Anderson. The registration form and information is only viewable by the director. http://www.missouriryla.com/student-registrationIf you need the password, contact Valerie directly: missouriryla@gmail.com
From Families:
How many adult leaders or staff do you have?
We have a male and a female adult counselor for every 10-12 participants as well as at least five additional support staff, including the RYLA academy directors. Every adult on staff has been cleared through multiple background checks.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
There are separate dormitory floors for boys and girls with adult supervision on every floor. There are also adult chaperones every night in the common spaces of each dorm. Usually, there are two participants in each room and adults and participants are NEVER paired together. The bathrooms are en suite, shared by 2 dorm rooms, one on each side. Adults do NOT share bathrooms with students. No exceptions.
Can my student select their roommate?
We do not allow students who come from the same family or community to dorm together. This is part of the academy experience.
What does my student need to pack or bring?
Refer to the packing list found here.
Does our student need money on campus?
No, your student will NOT need money while attending RYLA. We will not be leaving campus.
What is the Sunday check in process?
Directions: http://www.missouriryla.com/ucm-campusmap-and-directions
Check-In: Sunday evening of the opening day of your session. Check in will be between 6 pm - 6:45 pm. This time is non-negotiable.
Driving Directions: If you drive south on Business 13/Highway 50 through Warrensburg, the road leads you right into campus.
What is the Wednesday afternoon check out process?
Check Out: Wednesday late afternoon (Session 1 and 2) 4:00 pm-4:30 pm. Many parents text their student when they arrive so the student meets them in the parking lot to make departure easier.
From Rotarians and Families:
Is transportation provided?
Due to the state-wide scope of our academy, RYLA does not provide transportation. We encourage the sponsoring Rotary club to work with each participant’s family to assure that the student has a ride to and from the academy. Most students’ families prefer to handle all the transportation themselves. If there is a transportation concern, the students’ family is encouraged to contact the Rotary club directly. Students are not allowed to transport themselves.
For any questions or concerns, feel free contact me.
Valerie Anderson, Administrative Director
816.673.6818