Seminar For Tomorrow’s Leaders
Empowering our Next Generation of Leaders!
JULY 13-16, 2023 GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY
What is SFTL?
RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) is a Rotary International initiative, sponsored by Rotary Districts throughout the world. This is an opportunity to help our next generation of leaders define themselves and expand their skills.
In 2009 Rotary District 7680 partnered with CCL (Center for Creative Learning) to design a leadership course for high school students, using the same framework delivered to global executives, policymakers and military officers. Tools developed over 50 years of transforming lives-each principal is intentionally crafted in the classroom, then reinforced with activities.
What is the goal of SFTL?
Within a nurturing and challenging environment, students blossom as they move through principles that empower them to increase self-awareness and develop life-changing skills; giving and receiving feedback; effective group communication; applied leadership and ethics; vision and goal-setting; non-verbal communication; self-assessment; increasing emotional intelligence and reflection.
How is SFTL organized?
Small clusters of 8 Students, led by a Rotarian Mentor, gather to debrief, recap, and clarify. Activities may be performed within the cluster. These groups foster discussions about goals, ambitions, careers, college plans, and relationships.
Life-long friendships may develop…according to one Rotarian’s daughter, who attended RYLA at Gardner-Webb University in 2005. Now at the age of 34, the daughter recently postponed seeing dear-old Dad so she could meet with her RYLA buddies!
When and where is SFTL?
Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC will once again host Rotary District 7680 SFTL. Students arrive on Thursday, July 13, 2023, for Check-in to their Dorm and Opening Session with Parents and Guardians. After a quick goodbye, three days of work, play, and campus cafeteria food ensues. Parents and Guardians return for the Closing Session on Sunday, July 16, 2023.
Who can attend SFTL?
Rising high school juniors and seniors (plus a few select rising sophomores) apply first to a local Rotary Club and second to Rotary District 7680. Your local Rotary Club selects Student “Delegates”. Once extra slots become available, the district can select applicants who haven’t found a local Rotary Club.
How much does SFTL cost?
According to CCL, this Scholarship is valued at $5,000! Fortunately, CCL is our partner and local Rotary Clubs sponsor each Student…so there is no charge to Students.
Who is Rotary?
Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in our local and world communities. Approximately 1.4 million Rotarians belong to more than 35,000 clubs in over 200 countries and geographies. Additionally, Rotaract Clubs are focused on college and young adults, while Interact Clubs are focused on high school students.
Download the Brochure Here: 2a SFTL Brochure 2023
What do I need to do next?
Contact your local Rotary Club at https://tinyurl.com/7680clubfinder, then submit your Student Application found at https://tinyurl.com/7680sftl-student-application.
