Rotary Academy Launched Its 25th Annual Program
The leadership initiative for Rockford middle schoolers has supported over 4,000 students since its founding.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Secondary Education
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The Rotary Club of Rockford and YMCA Camp Winnebago have launched their 25th annual Rotary Academy, serving 220 local eighth-grade students this year. The program brings participants from nine middle schools together for leadership training and community service projects.
Why it matters
The program is designed to foster self-confidence and strengthen social-emotional skills among young students. By encouraging informed decision-making early, the initiative helps prepare youth for academic and personal transitions.
The Rotary Academy selects up to 30 students from each of the nine participating middle schools. Over its quarter-century history, the program has reached more than 4,000 local students.
The players
Rotary Club of Rockford
This is a local service organization dedicated to community improvement and youth development projects.
YMCA Camp Winnebago
This facility serves as the primary venue for the Rotary Academy's outdoor leadership and team-building activities.
The details
School counselors identify participants based on leadership potential to engage in activities like crate-stacking and high ropes courses. The curriculum also features college visits to institutions including Rock Valley College and Rockford University.
Timeline
2026 marked the beginning of the 25th year of the Rotary Academy.
The program is scheduled to host a high ropes course in April 2027.
Culture Shift
The Rotary Academy follows the structure set by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) framework for youth development. By prioritizing social-emotional growth alongside traditional academic exposure, the initiative mirrors a broader pedagogical shift toward holistic student support.
Eighth-grade students selected for the program will participate in extracurricular team-building activities and campus visits throughout the academic year. These sessions require students to dedicate time beyond the standard school day to complete leadership and service requirements.
The takeaway
The program emphasizes that leadership skills are best developed through experiential challenges rather than just classroom instruction. Families with students in local middle schools should consult with school counselors to understand the selection process and eligibility criteria for future cycles.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic initiatives in our Secondary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rockford Register Star.
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