Youth Programs
FreeState Electric Cooperative invests in our youth with opportunities that are designed to reflect the realities of our society and its preference for dynamic, personal interactions. In today's professional world, employers and thought leaders want to see presenters who make a connection with the audience while communicating a message. These experiences are all-expenses-paid and will truly be the experiences of a lifetime for area youth.
FreeState will sponsor four youth program trips in 2020.
Two students will have an opportunity to visit Washington, D.C. in June, and two students will experience Steamboat Springs, CO at Cooperative Leadership Camp in July.
Any high school junior living in the FreeState Electric Cooperative territory, who has a parent or guardian that is a member of the cooperative is eligible.
Cooperative 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 is scheduled for June 18 to 25, 2020.
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.
Camp is scheduled for July 10 to 16, 2020.
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.
Who Is Eligible?
Any high school junior whose parents or guardians are members of FreeState Electric Cooperative, living in the service territory, is eligible to apply for these all-expense paid opportunities. FreeState Electric Cooperative will sponsor two students to Washington, D.C., and two students to Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
How to apply
Download the instructions and application packet below, fill it out, write your essay, and submit your application on time. Every application that is received by the deadline will be reviewed and scored. Don't miss your opportunity! Students who are interested in applying and have more questions can contact the Youth Program Coordinator, Sarah Farlee at 1-800-794-1989 or email for more information.
This year's contest includes a student profile form and an essay contest. The 2020 program deadline is Monday, February 10, 2020, at 4 p.m.
