Since the 1920s, Rotary International has developed a number of programs designed to extend the reach of Rotary service and offer young people an opportunity to serve and promote international goodwill. Rotary youth exchanges began taking place informally in 1929 and became an official RI program in 1974. Since then, 7,000 high school students from around the world have traveled abroad each year under the auspices of the Youth Exchange program, staying with Rotarian volunteer host families. Exchanges can occur between any two countries in which Rotary clubs are active.

In the 1960s, Rotary launched two programs designed to help young people become more service-oriented. Interact began in 1962 as an international organization of service and social clubs for high school students that promotes international understanding and peace. Founded in 1968, Rotaract is a Rotary-club-sponsored service and leadership organization for men and women ages 18 to 30 that emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility as the basis for personal success and community involvement. In 1971, RI established the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program, which sponsors camps and seminars to help promising young leaders between the ages of 18 and 30 further develop their leadership skills.