The 2017 group in front of Ben's Chili Bowl |
Electric cooperatives are different than all other
utilities! We embrace the cooperative principles of concern for community and
the responsibility to educate and inform, the Iowa Youth Tour program seeks to
create advocates for the cooperative business model while also giving deserving
students an up-close look at U.S. government and American history.
The Iowa Association of Electric
Cooperative’s organizes and manages Iowa’s involvement in National Rural
Electric Cooperative's annual Youth Tour every June. Participating co-ops
select and sponsor high school students with a passion for leadership and
government who represent their co-op during the week-long trip to Washington, D.C.
On the tour, students learn about electric cooperatives, American history and
U.S. government and walk away with a greater understanding of their role as an
American citizen. They participate in Youth Day, visit with their
representatives and senators, and explore the sights around the nation’s
capital. In Iowa, students apply for slots from their local electric
cooperative. Each year, approximately 35 students from Iowa join with 1,700
students from the nation for Youth Tour. Students are selected based on their
local cooperative’s criteria.
Former Iowa Youth Tour students at political events. |
Unique to Iowa Youth Tour students
and alumni often engage in the political process through Iowa Rural Power's
advocacy effort (http://www.iaruralpower.org/). On the 2015-2016 presidential
campaign trail, many former Youth Tour students wore their green Rural Power
t-shirts at campaign events, asking candidates about their plans to ensure
affordable, reliable electricity in the years ahead.
Many Youth Tour students come back from Youth Tour energized about public service and government. Several of these students serve as pages and clerks in the Iowa legislature, while others go on to become politically involved on their college campuses. We take pride knowing that we’re educating a new generation about the benefits and advantages of the cooperative business model, no matter where their professional careers take them.
Before long we will be wheels up for Youth Tour 2018! Check this blog to keep up on everything going on with Iowa Youth Tour.
Many Youth Tour students come back from Youth Tour energized about public service and government. Several of these students serve as pages and clerks in the Iowa legislature, while others go on to become politically involved on their college campuses. We take pride knowing that we’re educating a new generation about the benefits and advantages of the cooperative business model, no matter where their professional careers take them.
Before long we will be wheels up for Youth Tour 2018! Check this blog to keep up on everything going on with Iowa Youth Tour.
Always a favorite stop! The WWII Memorial. |
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