YOUNG LEADERS • MENTORSHIP • SCHOLARSHIP

Our programs for students and youth can change the lives of those who participate. Through these programs, young people can earn scholarships, travel on cultural exchanges or impact our community through various service projects.

PROGRAMS

STRIVE Mentoring Program

S.T.R.I.V.E – Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education

The mission of the STRIVE Program is to mentor high school students to achieve academic success, graduate from high school and continue their education in college, university, trade, technical or career school.

In pursuit of this mission, the STRIVE program provides positive role models for students to promote self discovery, the importance of High School Graduation, development of good values and life skills, and individual responsibility in STRIVING for excellence in life.

Students meet each week with an assigned Rotary Mentor who encourages and promotes their accomplishments in these areas. During the course of the school year, the STRIVE Student is measured against his or her personal improvement.

STRIVE addresses these factors by working with students who demonstrate the desire and willingness to improve in the required “4 As”:

  • Academics
  • Attendance
  • Attitude
  • Altruism

Successful STRIVE Students are eligible to receive:

  • A STRIVE Scholarship Award
  • Summer work incentive
  • Recognition at the Annual Awards Luncheon with their peers, families, Mentors, school counselors and Rotarians.

Scholarships

Rotary believes in developing the next generation of leaders. Our scholarships help young leaders build leadership skills, expand education and learn the value of service. Thanks to many generous Rotarians and donors, our Foundation supports several scholarships that are available to local high school students to be used for post-secondary educational pursuits. For more information visit our scholarship page.

ikus - Indian Trails Camp

Indian Trails Camp is a remarkable facility that brings adaptive recreation to the lives of each camper. It is simple in theory, but daunting in task. Indian Trails Camp offers a barrier-free camp setting in which those with disabilities can participate in all manner of activities the outside world is ill-equipped to provide. It is a place filled with fun, recreation and friendship. Campers learn perseverance, team-work and self-reliance. They leave for home loaded with love, respect and memories.

The history of the partnership between Indian Trails Camp and the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids is one of energy, commitment and loyalty. Since 1953 Rotarians have invested their time and money toward the success of the camp, helping Indian Trails Camp become a community and state treasure, and one of only five camps in the nation serving the most disabled group with barrier-free camping facilities.

To learn more about ikus/Indian Trails Camp

Interact

With almost 200,000 young people involved worldwide, Interact is Rotary’s premiere Leadership Building and Service Above Self club for youth, ages 12 to 18. Interactors develop a network of friendships with local and overseas clubs and learn the importance of:

  • Developing leadership skills and personal integrity
  • Demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others
  • Understanding the value of individual responsibility and hard work
  • Advancing international understanding and goodwill

Our Club supports Interact Clubs at seven area high schools including Catholic Central, City High Middle, East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Christian, Ottawa Hills, Union and West Catholic. Students that are interested should contact their school principal or guidance counselor.

Life Leadership

Life Leadership  is an immersive training program that brings together youth and young adults, ages 14-30, to further develop character and leadership skills and learn about Rotary. For more information visit the District Life Leadership Page.

Rotary Youth Exchange

The Rotary Youth Exchange Program builds peace one young person at a time. Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Exchanges for students ages 15-19 are sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries. If you are interested in participating as a student or host family, visit Central States Rotary Youth Exchange or contact us.

PROGRAMS