Iowa electric co-ops send 35 student leaders to Washington DC on Youth Tour trip
35 high school students representing not-for-profit electric cooperatives across Iowa departed for a weeklong adventure to Washington D.C. today, as part of the national Youth Your program coordinated by statewide electric cooperative associations and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Beginning back in 1958, Iowa’s electric cooperatives have been sending student leaders to the nation’s capital each summer where they get an up-close look at the political process while also touring national museums, monuments and memorials. Students also learn more about the role electric cooperatives play in providing safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable power to member-owners.
This year, the Iowa students will join with hundreds of other high school students from electric co-ops all across America for a weeklong gathering in Washington D.C. On the Youth Tour, students will meet with their elected legislators, talk to staff from NRECA and other organizations, and gain a personal understanding of American history and their role as an American citizen. Most of the students attending are financially sponsored by their local co-op and were selected to attend based on their community involvement, interest in government, and academic performance. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many rural students who are visiting Washington D.C. for the first time.
The opportunities for Youth Tour participants don’t end when the trip is over; Youth Tour alumni go on to pursue governement internships, apply for college scholarships and grants, and gain access to Iowa political events.
You can follow the 2015 Iowa Youth Tour adventure on Facebook (IowaYouthTour), Twitter (@IowaYouthTour) and by reading our blog at http://iowayouthtour.blogspot.com/.
About IAEC
The Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives represents the interests of not-for-profit electric cooperatives, including 34 distribution co-ops and 7 generation and transmission co-ops. Owned by the members they serve, Iowa’s electric cooperatives power the lives of 650,000 Iowans throughout all 99 counties and are committed to delivering power that is safe, reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible. Formed in 1942, IAEC provides many vital functions for its members including legislative representation, regulatory oversight, training and education services, safety programs, and communications support. Learn more at www.iowarec.org.
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For More Information:
Erin Campbell
IAEC communications manager
515-727-8945 office
ecampbell@iowarec.org
