In June, nearly 140 high school seniors from our co-op service areas participated in the 2024 Washington Youth Tour as delegates of their local electric cooperatives. You can learn more about this incredible program and the experiences of this year’s delegates on page 20.
Tennessee’s electric cooperatives believe that investing in our youth is crucial for the continued growth and vitality of our communities. By offering a range of youth programs and scholarships, we support the educational and leadership development of the young people within our service areas.
Our youth programs are designed to provide valuable experiences that foster leadership, cooperation and career readiness. Beyond the Washington Youth Tour, we provide several other programs designed to help students learn through experience. The Youth Leadership Summit is an annual event in Nashville that gives high school students the opportunity to learn about teamwork, leadership and the cooperative business model. Our co-ops also sponsor the 4-H Electric Camp each year on the Knoxville campus of the University of Tennessee. This event gives middle school students the chance to learn about science, technology, engineering and math through hands-on activities.
Electric cooperatives also maintain a range of in-classroom programs — from electric safety to energy efficiency — that are designed to complement state curriculum.
The cost of higher education continues to rise, and that’s why co-ops offer several types of scholarships to support the aspirations of our young members. We are proud of our past scholarship recipients who have gone on to achieve great success in their educational and career endeavors. Investing in local youth has far-reaching benefits. These programs not only help students achieve their educational goals but also strengthen our communities by fostering a new generation of skilled and informed citizens. By supporting education and leadership development, Tennessee’s electric cooperatives ensure a brighter future for everyone in their service areas.
We encourage eligible students and their parents to explore these opportunities. Students, parents and teachers interested in learning more about these programs can contact their local cooperatives.
Our commitment to supporting the next generation is unwavering. As students and teachers return to the classroom this month, you can be certain that our teams are rooting for your success. Together, we can build stronger, more vibrant communities.
