Local Programs
Community Service - Youth
1) Student Relations
RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards)
Chair: John Hsu
This District based weekend leadership conference is held each Spring at the University of Calgary. This conference provides students with an opportunity to become more effective leaders through development and enhancement of their leadership skills.. The Club provides $3,000 for student registration in this program.
RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment)
Chair: Dave Leslie
This district based weekend program runs twice each year in southern Alberta. The Club has provides registration and transportation funding in the amount of approximately $3,000.
ROTARACT (U of C based)
Chair: Chris Harper
Rotaract have an active and vibrant group whose focus has become increased funding and project development for Project Nicaragua. Expected Club expenditure is approximately $3,000.
INTERACT (Western Canada High School based)
Chair: Kathleen Cook
This club was reorganized this year to include a dynamic group of 45 students under the stewardship of two teachers from Western Canada High School. Local charities sponsored included School Supplies for Kids, Calgary Food Bank, Cash for Cans, Toy Mountain and the Young Bloods. Nationally the Club supported Raise the Roof, while internationally the Club supported the Ethiopian education Trust. Our Club supports Interact on a matching grant basis in the amount of $1,500.
Western Canada High School Scholarship
Chair: Dave Leslie
We have accepted an invitation to present a $750 scholarship cheque and certificate to a student selected by the staff at Western Canada High School at their Academic Awards ceremony. The award criteria are based on academic excellence and financial need.
Music Scholarship
Chair: Frank McKitrick
Frank, with help from Mount Royal University, presents two music scholarships for summer camps at Red Deer College
2) Stay-in-School
Chair: John Lindenbach
This program provides mentorship to approximately eighty at-risk students, from selection in grade six to their graduation from high school, with the expectation that upon graduation they will become eligible for a scholarship. These scholarships, currently in the amount of $7,600, are designed to approximate the first year tuition at an Alberta post-secondary institution and are funded by an annual golf tournament.
This program was expanded this year on two fronts. The first of these was the funding of a student selected and mentored by the Fish Creek Club. The second involved asking three senior high schools to propose a student for $2,000 bursary, with the only stipulation being that the student come from a financially challenged family.
3) Integrity Awards
Chair: Ken Moraes
This program involves the selection of non-Rotarian candidates, who through their actions have demonstrated a high level of integrity in our community. This years banquet will be held March 1, at Stage West. Candidate selection process is underway.
4) Short Term Youth Exchange (STYE)
Chair: Dave Leslie
Students participating in this program become ambassadors for Rotary and the communities in which they live. They help bring the world together and make friends in the process. The mechanics of the program involve Rotary facilitating family-to-family contacts and exchanges that take place over the summer months.
5) Adventures in Citizenship (RAC)
Our club’s participation has been resurrected in 2010. This four day program is administered by the Ottawa Rotary Club and provides one student selected by our club with the opportunity to travel to Ottawa to develop their leadership potential.