Youth Programs

Youth Tour

Why do electric cooperatives bring high school students to Washington? Because it is important to learn about the political process to interact with your government.

In the summer before their senior year, our local delegates will join more than 1,500 other students from across the country - all-expenses paid - for an incredible week in our nation's capital. The tour is a fast-paced leadership opportunity to see what makes America tick. Crawford Electric and the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives sponsor this program. To compete, high school juniors submit a short essay on a selected topic. Nine finalists are invited to a selection event in the spring where they demonstrate co-op knowledge and are interviewed by independent judges. The top three finishers become Crawford Electric's Youth Tour delegates to Washington; the six runners-up are invited to Missouri's Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience (CYCLE). 

Cooperative Youth Conference & Leadership Experience (CYCLE)

Six local students will learn more about electric cooperatives, Missouri government and leadership skills over three days in Jefferson City. They will join more than 100 Missouri students to debate a bill on the floor of the House of Representatives, participate in team-building activities and be inspired by motivational speakers. 

Talk to your teacher about entering the Youth Tour essay contest! 

Bourbon High School - Patrick Horn
Cuba High School - Aminta Abdinova
Owensville High School - Kayla Pyle
St. Clair High School - Maurice Gritzman or Megan Gaither
Steelville High School - Natalie Pyatt
Sullivan High School - Katie Galvin
Union High School - Shelby Puls
Viburnum High School - Bailey Camden