Build Whittier’s next generation of leaders.
Whittier Sunrise Rotary is investing in students across the Whittier Union High School District — and we’re inviting the residents, entrepreneurs and businesses of Whittier to invest with us.
Leadership is learned. Somebody has to teach it.
The students walking the halls at Cal High, Whittier High, La Serna, Pioneer and Santa Fe will soon be running Whittier’s businesses, classrooms, hospitals and city hall.
Most of them will never be handed a leadership course. Rotary changes that. We put students in rooms with mentors, give them real responsibility, and send them to experiences that change how they see themselves. This fund makes sure money is never the reason a student says no.
“The best investment a business can make in Whittier’s future is in the young people who will lead it.”
Our club is small and hands-on, which means your gift doesn’t disappear into overhead. It shows up as a student at RYLA, a band with new equipment, a teenager confident enough to give a speech. I’d love for you to be part of it.
Steven Fernandez
President, Whittier Sunrise Rotary
Four programs. One pipeline of leaders.
RYLA — Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
An intensive leadership camp run by Rotary District 5320. Students build confidence, public speaking, teamwork and ethical decision-making — and come home ready to lead. Your gift sends Whittier students who otherwise couldn’t go. Led by our RYLA Chair, Maggie Moe.
Interact at California High School
Our sponsored Interact club gives high schoolers a service club of their own: they plan projects, run meetings, manage budgets and serve Whittier alongside Rotary mentors.
High School Speech Contest
Students take the stage to compete on a Rotary theme, sharpening the communication skills every employer and every leader needs.
Music & Battle of the Bands
Our signature event puts six high school jazz bands on stage at Whittier High, with proceeds buying equipment for school bands and funding RYLA scholarships.
Every gift moves a student forward.
Give to the Next Generation Leadership Fund
Secure online giving by card. Please note “Next Generation Fund” with your gift.
Prefer to give by check? Make it payable to Whittier Sunrise Rotary Club Foundation, Inc. and mail to P.O. Box 1234, Whittier, CA 90609-1234. Memo: Next Generation Fund.
Put your company’s name behind Whittier’s future.
Business partners underwrite students, get recognized at our events and on this site, and get to know the next generation of Whittier talent — your future employees and customers.
Questions
Who receives my gift?
Gifts are made to the Whittier Sunrise Rotary Club Foundation, Inc. and directed to the club’s youth leadership programs.
Which schools are included?
Our focus is students in the Whittier Union High School District, starting with our Interact club at California High School and our long-standing work with Whittier High School.
Can I volunteer as a mentor?
Yes. Many of our members started by helping with the speech contest or Battle of the Bands. Reach out here and we’ll connect you.
Can my company sponsor a named scholarship?
Yes — contact us through the Business Partners page and we’ll work out the details with you.