Service Opportunities
As a member of the Modesto Rotary Club, you will actively participate in impactful service projects, both locally and globally.
You’ll contribute your time and skills to meaningful initiatives that improve lives and communities, gaining valuable experiences that enhance your leadership abilities and personal fulfillment.
Senior Stride
Friday, September 19, 2025
Experience an invigorating morning of fun and fellowship!
Beautiful 1.5-mile and 3-mile courses
Stroll, stride or power-walk
No time kept
Pets and strollers welcome (will follow walkers)
Tote bags and t-shirts for the first 300 registered walkers
Post-walk door prize drawings
More information about our 2025 Senior Stride coming soon!
Salvation Army Breakfast
Every fifth Saturday, MoRo cooks and serves breakfast at the Salvation Army.
Dictionary Book Project
Annually, Modesto Rotary partners with local Rotary clubs to purchase and distribute books to third-grade classrooms in Modesto.
Wilderness Trip
Modesto Rotary partners with the Stanislaus County of Education to plan and execute an annual wilderness adventure trip with youth from the Stanislaus Military Academy.
International Services
The Modesto Rotary Club’s International Services Committee actively fulfills the mission of Rotary International to “advance international understanding, goodwill and peace.” The committee selects projects that positively impact the health, education, and welfare of people in other countries. Committee members actively leverage – via matching grants – funds raised to maximize project outcomes.
Youth Opportunities
Scholarship Program
The Modesto Rotary Club offers Academic Scholarships for students planning to attend a four-year university and Vocational Scholarships for students interested in a career in trade work. The scholarships are valued at $2000.00 each. Our club collaborates with:
• Central Catholic
• Modesto Christian
• Davis
• Downey
• Johansen
The scholarship period is from January to April of each year.
Call or text Rotarian Alfredo Guerra 209-595-7880 to receive your scholarship packet, or ask your school’s college counselor about Rotary Scholarships.
Rotary District Speech Contest
This year’s speech topic is “The Magic of Rotary”. Speaker competitors will highlight the impact of Rotary community and international service projects.
Top finishers receive individual awards ranging from $75 to $2000 throughout the contest. Speaker competitors compete first at the club level. Club winners, with the same speech, move to the area contest. Area winners compete with the same speech at the district competition.
Online applications are submitted in November. The club-level speech competition is held each year in January.
Call or text Rotarian Pete Herrmann (209) 918-1348 to receive your information packet, or check with your college counselor or leadership faculty member for information
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) 100% scholarship for High School Juniors
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an action-packed leadership experience organized by Rotary where high school juniors develop their leadership skills, make connections, and have fun. This program helps students build communication and problem-solving skills and discover strategies for becoming a dynamic leader in their school and community. Students also learn from inspirational speakers and peer mentors, while making new friendships.
Selected high school juniors participate in this 3-day leadership academy camp at no cost and are sponsored by the Modesto Rotary Club. RYLA brings similar-minded students together to make a difference for the people in our community and worldwide.
RYLA applications are accepted each year in October and November. The RYLA weekend is held annually over President’s Day weekend. If you are a high school junior interested in experiencing RYLA, call or text Rotarian Cathy Gatewood 209-204-8727 to request your information packet and application, or ask your school’s college counselor about RYLA.
Interact Clubs
Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of “Service Above Self.” It is a great way to find out how serious leadership can be seriously fun while taking action to make a difference in your school and community plus discovering new cultures and friends.
The Modesto Rotary Club currently sponsors Interact clubs at the following high schools:
Central Catholic
Grace Davis
Thomas Downey
Peter Johansen
The clubs are encouraged to organize at least two projects every year, one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding. The Modesto Rotary Club sponsors, mentors, and guides Interactors as they carry out projects and develop leadership skills.
In Interact, students rally around the idea of community service and develop leadership skills. Interact clubs are a great way for high school student leaders to help the community, make new friends, and build their resumes.
If you think Interact Club membership might be a good fit for you, call or text Rotarian Alfredo Guerra at 209-595-7880 to receive an information packet. You can also ask your school counselor about a club at your school.
