News & Resources: Youth Programs

Your local electric power association, in an effort to better acquaint the future leaders of our communities with cooperative philosophy, participates with all other rural electric cooperatives in Mississippi in a statewide Youth Leadership Program. Our Youth Leadership Program is designed to provide participants with an opportunity to learn about electric power associations, how and why cooperatives operate, and how electricity is distributed, in addition to sharpening their leadership skills.

Program Goals
The Electric Power Associations of Mississippi Youth Leadership Program offers young people the tools and knowledge that will enable them to sharpen their leadership skills in the classroom, community and family. The program has been a tremendous success and is now in its twenty-second year. Each year the program grows, and it is our wish that this outstanding program will continue to involve more young people in the future. It's an educational and fun experience that will make a lasting impact on young people.

Students selected to participate in the Electric Power Association Youth Program will attend a three-day workshop in Jackson. The program focuses on developing leadership skills of high school students who have demonstrated a desire to be quality leaders among today's young people. Participants possess talents that make them natural leaders. It is the focus of this program to enhance these talents and provide advanced skills to help them as they prepare to be tomorrow's leaders.

The group of young Mississippians participating in the program will represent electric power associations across the state. Students are selected through various forms of intense competition conducted by the local associations. In 2007-2008, more than 850 young people were involved in the program selection process.

Youth Leadership Workshop
Students will attend a leadership workshop in Jackson, March 4-6, 2009. At this workshop they will study the finer aspects of leadership, enjoy a first-hand look at our state government in action and hear presentations from government leaders, local business leaders and rural electric power association professionals.

At our 2009 workshop, students will participate in team-building exercises conducted by professional instructors. Using hands-on techniques provides a unique opportunity for participants to understand the importance of working with others to achieve common goals. Educational sessions are conducted that provide information about the electric utility industry and the electric power association network that serves more than 1.6 million Mississippians.

In addition to the classroom activities, the workshop features breakfast with students' respective state senator and representative, tour of the Capitol and a banquet at the exclusive University Club.

Washington, D.C.Youth Tour
More than 1,500 high school juniors from across the nation will join the Mississippi delegation June 13-19, 2009 in Washington, D.C., for the Rural Electric Youth Tour. During the week they will learn about cooperatives, rural electrification, the city and government.

During the week-long visit Mississippi's student delegation will visit the popular monuments and memorials, the nation's Capitol (including visits to the galleries of the House of Representatives and Senate), the White House and much more. They will visit with Mississippi's two senators and with their respective representative. Students will also witness the popular changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetry. For added entertainment, representatives join students from other states for a night boat cruise on the Potomac River and a dinner/dance. A day at the Smithsonian will also be on the schedule.

While the Youth Tour is a wonderful sight-seeing experience, it also offers an opportunity for making friends. During the week, students will meet with young people from across the country. Life-long friendships will be developed. We will also have dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe and ESPN, two very popular restaurants. There will be time for shopping and relaxation. Nothing is missed. (Pictures from the 2008 Youth Tour)

Award
Each year one student is selected to represent Mississippi on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Youth Leadership Council. The selection is made at the Youth Leadership Workshop through a comprehensive process including personal interviews. The Youth Leadership Council selection in 2008 was Mary Margaret Chaney representing Central Electric Power Association. Mary Margaret will serve a one-year term and participated in the 2008 annual meeting of the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi held September 2008. The distinguished honor provides many other opportunities. Past winners have served as summer staff members of Mississippi congressmen and others have worked in Washington as a full-time summer NRECA employee. This honor is worth the effort to participate.

Cost
To the parents this might be the best part of the program. The total expense of the trip is funded by participating electric power associations. There are no hidden costs as associations pay for all travel, lodging, meals, educational materials and admission costs. This support demonstrates their commitment to local young people and desire to provide a quality leadership program that prepares our precious young people for the challenges life offers.

How to Get Involved
A representative of your local electric power association will contact an official of each school located in its service area and provide program details. If desired, a detailed presentation can be presented to members of the junior class. In the meantime, if you have immediate questions contact the association's Youth Leadership Program coordinator.

"Visiting Washington, D.C., has been an experience I will never forget. I have been inspired to positively influence my school, my community and my country."

"Washington Youth Tour was an educational and fun trip that has opened many doors for me."

-2008 Student Participants