In 1980, the RSO performed its first concert for area youth, dubbed a "Rug Concert," since children sat on pieces of carpet on the floor. The RSO Youth Concert annually hosts area public, private, parochial, and home schools to attend this educational, 50-minute concert at the Coronado Performing Arts Center. Teaching materials, including study guides and recordings of selected pieces, are provided to teachers for advanced preparation in the classroom.

The Youth Concert Education Program is supported by an endowment gift from Dick & Grace Leighton.