Youth Programs

 

Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP)

Since 1946, Rotarians in Georgia have promoted world peace through understanding by offering scholarships to international students for one year of study in Georgia colleges and universities.

Georgia Rotary Clubs sponsor students recommended by a Rotary Club in their home country. The students become adopted members of a Georgia "host family," but live on-campus at the school they attend. This is a scholarship program, not an exchange!

Each year, about 80 students from all over the world make friends in the United States and other nations and learn about differing cultures and life styles. Georgia Rotarians believe "Peace is Possible" and through GRSP promote international goodwill through the bonds of friendship and understanding.

The scholarship covers one scholastic year, from August to May, and is for study in colleges and universities located in the State of Georgia.  The scholarship pays:

  • Tuition
  • Book allowance
  • Meals
  • College provided room

Applicant must provide:

  • Transportation from country to USA and return
  • Medical insurance
  • $3,000 spending money
  • Any income taxes imposed by the government on the scholarship money

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be 18 years but not 25 years of age by August 1 the year studies begin
  • Have not studied in the USA for more than 6 months
  • Must be single

(Portions of the above have been copied from the GRSP website at www.grsp.org)

Interact Club

Interact is Rotary International's service club for young people ages 14-18. Interact clubs are sponsored by individual Rotary clubs, which provide support and guidance, but Interact clubs are self-governing and self-supporting.

The Rotary Club of Effingham County is pleased to sponsor the Interact club at South Effingham High School (SEHS).  It is one of more than 8,600 Interact clubs in 110 countries.  Each year, the SEHS Interact club is expected to complete at least two community service projects, one of which furthers international understanding and goodwill.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)

Each year, thousands of young people take part in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program worldwide. Young people ages 14-30 chosen for their leadership potential attend an all-expenses-paid seminar, camp, or workshop to discuss leadership skills and to learn those skills through practice. Rotary clubs and districts select participants and facilitate the event's curriculum.

RYLA aims to:

  • Demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth;
  • Provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders;
  • Encourage leadership of youth by youth; and
  • Recognize publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities.

RYLA was officially adopted by Rotary International in 1971, and is one of the most significant and fastest-growing programs of Rotary service. RYLA programs often lead to the formation or strengthening of Rotaract and Interact clubs. RYLA participants often go on to become Youth Exchange students or Ambassadorial Scholars.

(Portions of the above have been copied from the Rotary International website located at www.rotary.org.)

Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) Student

The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) Program was created to focus public attention on Georgia's outstanding students and the teachers who have been most instrumental in their academic development.

 

The senior with the highest SAT score and who is also ranked in the top ten percent of his or her class is named STAR student in each of Georgia's accredited public and private high schools.  The student then selects an inspiring teacher to share in the honor. 

 

The Rotary Club of Effingham County is pleased to participate in the STAR Student program.  Each year the club recognize the STAR Student from Effingham County High School and South Effingham High School and the teachers whom they select.

 

Local school system STAR students move up to compete for regional honors in twelve STAR regions across the state.  Winners at the regional level vie for the state STAR award. 

 

The Professional Association of Georgia Educators coordinates the Student Teacher Achievement Recognition program.  The Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Department of Education join in sponsoring the program.