High school juniors whose households receive electricity from La Plata Electric Association are invited to apply for two youth programs scheduled for summer 2015.
The annual National Rural Electric Youth Tour to Washington DC will happen June 12-18, 2015. LPEA seeks to sponsor one student each from Bayfield, Ignacio, Durango, and Pagosa. Home school students also are eligible.
The application deadline is Jan. 12. Submit the application form along with an essay of up to 500 words about any aspect of the electric energy industry.
Participants get an up-close look at the federal government and interact with elected representatives from Colorado. They also get to see the U.S. Capitol, including museums and monuments, as well as participate in social activities.
The other all-expense-paid opportunity for juniors is the Colorado Electric Education Institute Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp, to be held July 12-17 at the Glen Eden Resort near Steamboat Springs.
The application deadline for that also is Jan. 12. Submit the application along with a 500-word essay reflecting the student's personal perspective on leadership. Applicants should have a strong academic record, an interest in meeting new people and enhancing their leadership potential.
Jeanne Bennett, application coordinator for both of these activities, said, "It's not just another camp. This is an experience that will help students build for their future, and help them gain valuable leadership and interpersonal relationship skills that will benefit them in an increasingly competitive world."
The camp also will include a river trip and dance, a visit to Steamboat Springs and Fish Creek Falls, and free time at a swimming pool.
The camp has operated for almost 35 years and hosts around 100 students each year, selected by electric coops in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming.
LPEA will sponsor up to four high school juniors, one each from Ignacio, Bayfield, Durango, and Pagosa school districts. Home schoolers also are eligible.
Applications for the Washington DC tour or the leadership camp are available at www.lpea.coop, from high school counselors, or from the LPEA offices in Durango or Pagosa.
For information about either of these opportunities, contact Jeannie Bennett at 382-3505 or jbennett@lpea.coop.
