We’re looking for students interested in public service and leadership

High schoolers who attend our Zoom sessions in October will have a chance to win AirPods and a $1,000 college scholarship!

Guided by our cooperative commitment to the community, Southwest Iowa REC has a long history of supporting students in the communities we serve through scholarships and leadership opportunities. We’ve also been sending deserving high school students to our nation’s capital every summer for years as part of the National Electric Cooperative Youth Tour program.

Iowa’s electric cooperatives are pleased to once again offer a virtual opportunity for rural students to learn more about advocacy, electric cooperative career opportunities and the cooperative business model with a three-part webinar series in October. The Iowa Youth Leadership Academy is open to any high school student in our service area and they are invited to register at www.IowaYouthTour.com.

“This new program is perfect for rural Iowa students who have a passion for public service, leadership or government,” remarked Phil Kinser, Southwest Iowa REC CEO/ General Manager. “We want to raise students’ awareness of how local electric co-ops power people’s lives and empower communities. We also want to talk about exciting cooperative career paths that are available in smaller communities.”

Once students register online for the Iowa Youth Leadership Academy, they can attend the webinars from their own computer or mobile device. Each Zoom session will last around 45-60 minutes and focus on a specific topic:

  • Tuesday, Oct. 1, 7:00 p.m. – Cooperative Business Model
  • Thursday, Oct. 17, 7:00 p.m. – Rural Iowa Advocacy
  • Thursday, Oct. 24, 7:00 p.m. – Leadership

At the end of each live session, one lucky attendee will be selected at random to win a pair of Apple AirPods. Students who attend all three sessions will be entered into a random drawing for a $1,000 college scholarship. All students who register online by September 25 will receive a special box of co-op goodies in the mail.

During the Zoom sessions, students will be inspired by our lineup of speakers and presenters. Participants will learn how to advocate for issues that are important to them and build leadership skills from a motivational speaker. Attendees will also hear about Iowa Youth Tour. Students with an interest in government and public service are encouraged to apply for this weeklong trip to Washington, DC. The 2025 Youth Tour is slated for June 15-21 next summer.

Learn more at www.IowaYouthTour.com or contact Suzy, SWIAREC Administrative Assistant, at suzy.olson@swiarec.coop  for more information.