Each year, Pioneer Electric partners with Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., our statewide association, to sponsor the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour and Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp. The application process begins in the fall, offering area sophomores and juniors the opportunity to apply for the program. Applications are then reviewed by a panel of judges from outside the cooperative. These judges select 20 finalists to be interviewed. Of the 20 finalists interviewed, four delegates are selected.
Summer would traditionally see Pioneer Electric’s Youth Tour winners off on their respective trips to Washington, D.C., and Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Cooperative employees and students alike look forward to these trips every year. After careful consideration and examining the risks associated with COVID-19, the decision was made to cancel the 2020 trips.
“This wasn’t a decision made lightly,” said Drew Waechter, communications coordinator. “We’re just as disappointed as the kids, but the health and safety of students is our top concern.”
With trips canceled, Youth Tour recipients were left wondering what’s next?
“We decided the best way we could recognize this year’s winners was with a $1,000 scholarship,” Waechter said. “We know it doesn’t replace the trip, but our hope is that it will help them accomplish their education goals.”
In addition to the scholarship, this year’s winners entering their junior year of high school will have the opportunity to apply for next year’s trips. Winning this year’s trips does not guarantee students a trip in 2021. 2020 winners entering their senior year of high school will, unfortunately, age out of the Youth Tour program and be ineligible to apply for the 2021 trips. Receiving the Youth Tour Scholarship does not disqualify them from applying for the Pioneer Electric general scholarship next fall.
Dates for the 2021 Youth Tour have been selected. Information regarding next year’s trips will be available online at www.pioneerelectric.coop.
“Great leaders collaborate to work toward a common goal. I am passionate about youth and youth programs, not only to build my skills but to help other youth as well.” – Becca Rock, Ulysses High School, Steamboat Springs Camp Winner
“Experiences like this help students like me gain invaluable knowledge and insight into their future careers. I pride myself on being a leader in my school, and in all that I do.” – Ashley Kennedy, Moscow High School, Washington D.C. Winner
“My teachers pave the road with learning and skills that I believe are a very vital part when starting my next chapter after high school”. – Audra Langley, Rolla High School, Washington D.C. Winner
“I’ve always felt like I’ve been a leader. I’ve stood up for people and been there for people when they were new to the school.” – Daniela Rodriguez, Stanton Co. High School, Steamboat Springs Camp Winner