Thank you for your interest in the FreeState Electric Cooperative Youth Program essay contest.

Please follow the directions carefully.

Eligibility
A high school student enrolled in his/her 11th year (junior) whose parent(s) or guardian(s) receive electric service from FreeState Electric Cooperative, Inc., and reside in the FreeState service territory.

Students need to submit an application signed by a parent or guardian. The application consists of a completed application and an essay that FreeState Electric Cooperative will receive by 4 p.m. Friday, February 10, 2023. 

Selection
The top-five finalists in the written portion of the competition will be invited to an interview with the youth program coordinator.

Following the interviews, we will name two winners who will receive all-expense-paid trips.

• One student will have an opportunity to attend the Cooperative Youth Tour scefor June 15-22, 2023 in Washington, D.C.

• One student will experience Steamboat Springs, CO, at Cooperative Leadership Camp Youth Leadership Camp scheduled for July 14-20, 2023

The third-place finisher will be named an alternate for either trip. The alternate would be asked to step in if another student could not attend their trip.

Essays will be reviewed and scored anonymously. All applicants will be scored if submitted on time.

Applicants not scoring in the top-five will be notified.

All decisions are final.

Essay Guidelines

Follow these guidelines when submitting your essay.

Please follow the directions.

1. Submit an essay of at least 500 words, but not exceeding 1500.

2. Work should be original and unpublished.

3. Do not put your name on your essay.

Deadline is 4 p.m. Friday, February 10, 2023

Good luck with writing your essay, and we hope to see you in person for the interview process!