Check back in January 2022!
FreeState is offering a unique leadership experience for current high school juniors in 2021. For more than 60 years, electric cooperatives across Kansas have recognized outstanding high schoolers by providing a valuable leadership experience for exceptional teens. Usually that means selecting students for a trip to Washington D.C., or Steamboat Springs, Colorado but due to uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, the decision was made to offer a virtual youth leadership conference during the week of June 21. Exclusive to Kansas youth.
An interactive experience, the Kansas Electric Youth Leadership Conference will focus each morning on different aspects of leadership and will include engaging speakers, dynamic activities, and unique challenges. Networking is always a big part of the electric cooperative youth programs as delegates connect with like-minded, high-achieving teens. Through the 2021 virtual leadership experience, students can get to know their peers across the state through mentor groups and off-line chats. Delegates who participate will be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship from FreeState. In addition, all student participants are also eligible to apply for an annual $1,000 state scholarship and a $10,000 national scholarship only available to Youth Tour alumni!
Youth Tour
Each year cooperatives select area youth for this opportunity as part of our strong commitment to the community and our mission to inspire the future generations to become leaders.
This trip opens the eyes of many students to future possibilities in leadership roles while building lifelong friendships. The delegates also visited the Holocaust Memorial Museum, Smithsonian Museums, Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, attended a professional baseball game at the Nationals Stadium, and had a laugh at the production of Shear Madness at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The delegates also attended the NRECA Youth Day that brought together all 1,700 youth from 43 states to hear speakers.
Youth Tour 2021 is scheduled for June 17 to 24, 2021.
FreeState will sponsor ONE area student for this life-changing trip!
CYLC
Cooperative Leadership Camp
At the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp, the campers participated in daily membership meetings where they established committees and elected a general manager and board of directors. Campers also had time to enjoy area activities including visits to Fish Creek Falls and Steamboat Springs, river rafting, and participating in camp activities such as volleyball, swimming, and a talent show.
The youth learned about the workings of electric cooperatives through a variety of activities: Yampa Valley Electric’s linemen led a high voltage safety demonstration, campers competed in building a model transmission line out of craft supplies, and they toured the Trapper Mine and Craig Power Plant.
Leadership Camp is scheduled for July 16 to 22, 2021.
FreeState will sponsor ONE area student for this life-changing trip!
Alumni Stories
Read stories from some of our program alumni!
Where are they now? How Youth Tour Changes Lives
Where are they now? How Camp Changes Lives
Read stories from our 2019 youth program participants
FreeState exposes youth to co-op and careers
Elevated and Inspired Leadership in D.C.