Central Electric Cooperative proudly engages in youth educational initiatives to help develop future leaders. In 2023, the cooperative will continue to support area youth through the National Rural Electric Association (NRECA) Youth Tour and its annual scholarship program. 

Washington, D.C. Youth Tour

High school juniors are encouraged to apply for a trip to Washington, D.C. The educational journey takes place June 17-23, 2023, and travel expenses are paid by participating cooperatives. Attendees will learn about government, cooperative philosophy and rural electrification.

Applicants must be high school juniors during the 2022-2023 school year who permanently reside in Aurora, Brule, Buffalo, Davison, Hanson, Jerauld, Miner, or Sanborn County of South Dakota. They do not need to be cooperative members. Children and legal dependents of cooperative directors and employees are not eligible. 

Outstanding juniors chosen as Youth Tour delegates must obtain signed parental consent to attend. The application includes the following short-answer question: What moment in American history do you wish you had been a part of, and how would you have contributed?

Interested students should visit www.centralec.coop/youth-tour to learn more and apply.

Scholarships

Students planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study this fall are encouraged to apply for cooperative scholarships. Basin Electric Power Cooperative of Bismarck, ND, is offering a $1,000 scholarship, and the family of the late Jay Headley of White Lake, SD, is offering a $1,000 agricultural scholarship.

Eligible students must be U.S. citizens residing in Central Electric Cooperative's territory and be the dependent of a Central Electric Cooperative member whose primary residence is served by the cooperative.

Applicants are judged based on leadership, participation in school and community activities, work experience, academic performance, potential to succeed and a statement of educational and career goals. Recipients are selected by an external judge not affiliated with Central Electric Cooperative. 

Interested students can access scholarship applications and eligibility details online at www.centralec.coop/scholarships. 

Deadline Feb. 1

Eligible students should submit scholarship and Youth Tour applications by Feb. 1, 2023. Please call 1-800-477-2892 with questions. Central Electric is a member-owned electric cooperative serving Aurora, Brule, Buffalo, Davison, Hanson, Jerauld, Miner and Sanborn Counties.