Welwyn Garden City Rotary Club Sponsors Tess Settle for RYLA 2026

Developing Tomorrow's Leaders: Welwyn Garden City Rotary Sponsors RYLA 2026 Participant

Welwyn Garden City Rotary Club is delighted to celebrate the successful completion of the 2026 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) residential course by our sponsored candidate, Tess Settle.

RYLA is a flagship Rotary International initiative created to empower young people aged 15 to 17 by developing their leadership, decision-making, and communication skills. Across Rotary District 1260, local clubs identify and sponsor students who demonstrate strong potential, funding their participation in an intensive multi-day residential course filled with practical team-building challenges and personal development workshops.

Candidate Reflection: Tess Settle

Reflecting on her time on the course, Tess shared her experience:

"The RYLA residential was so much fun. It taught me key leadership skills and helped me find new friends. I highly recommend it." — Tess Settle, RYLA 2026 Participant

Through outdoor exercises, group problem-solving, and mentored workshops, participants are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, build self-confidence, and learn the value of effective collaboration—qualities that serve them well in their academic, personal, and professional futures.

Applications Open for RYLA 2027

Following the success of this year's programme, Welwyn Garden City Rotary Club is actively inviting applications for RYLA 2027.

We welcome enquiries from:

• Local Secondary Schools and Colleges looking to nominate promising students.

• Parents and Guardians seeking a transformative personal development opportunity for their teenagers.

• Youth Organisations and Community Groups working with young leaders aged 15 to 17.

If you know a young person living or studying in the Welwyn Garden City area who would benefit from receiving a fully sponsored place on the RYLA 2027 course, please contact the Welwyn Garden City Rotary Club Youth Team via our website contact page to request an application form.