About IYLA

We’re looking for students interested in public service and leadership

Since 2021, Iowa’s electric cooperatives have offered a virtual opportunity for rural students to learn more about advocacy, electric cooperative career opportunities and the cooperative business model with a two-part webinar series in October. 

Once students register online for the Iowa Youth Leadership Academy, they can attend the webinars from their own computer or mobile device. Each Zoom session will last around 45-60 minutes and focus on a specific topic.

At the end of each live session, one lucky attendee will be selected at random to win a $500 scholarship. Students who attend both sessions will be entered into a drawing for a $1,000 college scholarship. All students who register online receives a special box of co-op goodies in the mail.

During the Zoom sessions, students will be inspired by our lineup of speakers and presenters. Participants will learn how to advocate for issues that are important to them and build leadership skills from a dynamic speaker. Attendees will also hear about Iowa Youth Tour. Students with an interest in government and public service are encouraged to apply for this weeklong trip to Washington, DC. The 2026 Youth Tour is slated for June 14-20 next summer.

Speakers and Notes from Past Sessions:

Beth Knudson, 2025

• Deep dive into cooperatives - What they are, what they stand for, and what it means to be a member. 

• The benefit the members gain by cooperatives working as not-for-profit organizations.

• History of cooperatives - How they were created and how they became what they are today. 

• Highlight the Seven Cooperative Principles - How the cooperatives use these tools to better serve their members. 

Haley Moon, 2021

• A large part of advocacy is creating relationships (In-person, social media, etc.) and communication (authenticity, honesty, consistency.)

• Operating on nonpartisan basis to advocate for diverse communities, being involved in state and federal government, and working with politicians and legislators to best represent their members are all parts of advocacy in electric cooperatives.

• Rural economic development- federal funding for rural communities, broadband service, hospitals, nonprofit projects, grocery stores, daycares, and more.

• Iowa youth tour- students meet with state senators, representatives, and other government officials. Students see the results and impact of advocacy firsthand in the nation's capitol.

• Vote! Your vote matters.

Mark your calendar for IYLA 2026!

Oct 4 – 7 p.m. > Why Cooperatives Matter and How to Effectively Advocate

Oct 18 – 7 p.m. > Being a Leader