Vocational Service encourages Rotarians to serve others through their vocations and to practice high ethical standards.

Since 1999, the Rotary Club of Nevada City has partnered with the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce to present the Business Person of the Year Award. This honor recognizes a local businessperson for operating their business according to the characteristics of Rotary’s Four Way Test. By encouraging local businesses to act in an ethical and community-conscience way, the ideals of Rotary are promoted in the community.

Another way to promote Rotary’s principles is through scholarships. The Drew Reynolds Memorial Scholarship was established in the memory of a past president’s son, Drew Reynolds. When Drew was killed tragically in 2004, he had been going to college classes part-time for nine years, while working full-time at UPS and raising a young family. He was expecting to obtain a college degree the year he died. The scholarship is awarded to a Nevada County resident seeking a college degree at one of the Sierra College campuses. To be eligible for the $2,000 renewable scholarship, the person must be living with dependents, must be enrolled in at least two classes, and must have good grades. Once awarded, the recipient can renew for the scholarship for up to four years.