Each May, Rotary International celebrates Youth Service Month, recognizing the power and potential of young people around the world. At the Rotary Club of Bedford, youth service is more than a theme—it’s a year-round commitment to helping young people grow as leaders, learners, and citizens.Building Leadership through Interact and RYLA
The club proudly sponsors the Interact Club at Bedford High School, empowering students to lead community service projects, develop leadership skills, and connect with peers locally and globally. Through Interact, students take the reins on initiatives that make real-world impact—while learning Rotary’s core values of service above self, integrity, and fellowship.
The club also supports student participation in RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards), a transformative leadership development program for high school students across the region. RYLA provides intensive workshops, team-building activities, and opportunities to engage with peers who share a passion for service and leadership.
Supporting Academic Growth with Scholarships
Each year, the Rotary Club of Bedford awards college scholarships to local high school seniors who demonstrate a commitment to community service and academic excellence. These scholarships not only help offset the cost of higher education but also recognize students who embody Rotary’s ideals in their everyday lives.
Encouraging Curiosity in Younger Students
The club’s commitment to youth starts even earlier. Through its BRIC² initiative (Bedford Rotary Ideas Community Challenge), the club encourages elementary and middle school students to think critically, solve problems creatively, and work collaboratively. BRIC² funds student-designed projects that address real-world challenges—cultivating confidence and innovation from an early age.
In addition, the Rotary Club of Bedford has long supported the Lane School Science Center, helping to fund materials and resources that make hands-on science engaging and accessible for all students. By investing in STEM education at the elementary level, the club nurtures curiosity and inspires future engineers, scientists, and innovators.
A Legacy of Service
Youth Service is one of Rotary’s Five Avenues of Service, and the Bedford club embraces it wholeheartedly. From mentoring young leaders to encouraging budding scientists, the club believes that empowering youth is one of the most meaningful ways to build a stronger, more compassionate future.
As Youth Service Month unfolds, the Rotary Club of Bedford invites the community to celebrate and support the next generation—because today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders.