By Jaime Walker

What do 1,500 high school students, our nation’s capital and electric cooperatives have in common? The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, of course!

Youth Tour was established with one thought in mind — to inspire our next generation of leaders. Since 1958, more than 50,000 young Americans have taken advantage of this special opportunity offered by their electric co-op. And Steuben County REMC alone sends three or four lucky locals each year.

It all takes place in June, when hundreds of electric co-ops across the country send participants to Washington, D.C., for a chance to learn about the cooperative business model and a full week of sightseeing.

While in D.C., participants have a chance to meet with their elected officials and discuss the issues that are important back home. Without a doubt, Youth Tour has grown into an invaluable program that gives young Americans an experience that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Following the close of applications on Monday, March 4, Steuben County REMC will begin the interview process to select local students to attend the 2019 Indiana Youth Tour. If you are a high school junior interested in traveling to Washington, D.C., to experience the trip of a lifetime, please contact your guidance counselor for more information or visit www.remcsteuben.com/youthtour.

Perhaps you know of an exceptional student who would be a great candidate for the program. If you do, please share this article with them. Interested students must submit their application no later than Monday, March 4. Following the application close, select candidates will be interviewed and the final selections made.

Youth Tour is so much more than a sightseeing trip. Students have repeatedly shared that this experience has helped them grow into successful professionals. It has also benefited our local communities. Youth Tour participants return home with a deeper understanding and skillset of what it takes to be leader, and as a result, they put these skills to use right here in our community.

Help us find the next generation of leaders by sharing the Youth Tour experience with a promising student. For more information about Steuben County REMC’s Youth Tour program, call 260-665-3563 or visit
www.remcsteuben.com/youthtour.

Jaime Walker is Director of Member Services at Steuben County REMC.

How to apply:

INDIANA YOUTH TOUR
www.remcsteuben.com/youthtour
Deadline: March 4