Youth Service

Rotary Club of Oak Bay is deeply committed to supporting youth in our community and beyond. Through hands-on programs, partnerships, and international opportunities, we help young people build confidence, develop skills, and access opportunities that can shape their futures. We believe that when young people are supported, empowered, and connected, entire communities benefit.

Oak Bay High School Post-Secondary Scholarships

Through our Club Foundation we annually fund the Oak Bay Rotary Scholarship and the Sno’uytth Scholarship. 

Note: The Rotary Club of Oak Bay Foundation is a separate registered charity that can issue tax receipts and support Rotary initiatives within the guidelines set by the Canada Revenue Agency.

Interact Club of Oak Bay

Our Club supports the Interact Club of Oak Bay by helping engage high school students in service, leadership, and professional development.

As part of the Rotary family, Interact members organize community service projects, support fundraising initiatives, and participate in leadership development opportunities locally and internationally.

This program provides a bridge between youth engagement and full Rotary membership, nurturing the next generation of community leaders.

Youth International Exchange Program

The Rotary Youth Exchange Program offers students life-changing opportunities to live and study abroad, experience new cultures, and develop lifelong leadership skills.

Every year our Club participates in this program, helping exchange students who come to our area gain independence, confidence, and a deeper understanding of global citizenship while serving as informal ambassadors of their home communities. 

Oak Bay High Sno’uyutth Legacy Scholarship Fund

Sno’uyutth is Lekwungen word that means “Spreading Good Energy.” The Sno’uyutth Legacy Scholarship (SLS) is intended as an inspiration and motivation for students of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis descent that pursue post-secondary training upon graduation from Oak Bay High School. Donations to this fund can be made through the Rotary Club of Oak Bay Foundation. 

Young Exceptional Star (YES) Awards

Each year, the Oak Bay YES Awards recognize the accomplishments of youth from grades 6 to 12 who live or attend school in Oak Bay. Our Rotary Club provides one of the awards for this event.

The goal of the awards is to emphasize the positive achievements of Oak Bay’s young people by recognizing those who have distinguished themselves in such areas as volunteerism, arts, citizenship, academics, athletics and/or who have overcome obstacles to achieve their goals.

Adventures in Citizenship

The Rotary Adventure in Citizenship Program is for students aged 16-18 years who are leaders in their community and reflect the broad spectrum of religious and cultural communities that comprise Canadian society. 

Every year our Club selects a senior high student from Oak Bay to join others from across Canada to spend four days in Ottawa experiencing tours, lectures, discussions and social events designed to enhance their understanding and appreciation of Canadian citizenship. 

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

Our Club sponsors select students for participation in RYLA events, where they connect with leaders from the community and around the world to: 

  • build communication and problem-solving skills;
  • discover strategies for becoming a dynamic leaders;
  • learn from community leaders, inspirational speakers, and peer mentors;
  • unlock potential to turn motivation into action; and
  • have fun and form lasting friendships. 

Peace Fellowships

Our Club helps eligible candidates apply for Rotary Peace Fellowships. Each year The Rotary Foundation awards up to 50 fellowships for master’s degrees and up to 120 for certificate studies at premier universities. These fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship and field-study expenses.