Each summer, PPCS provides opportunities for youth to develop leadership skills and learn about the cooperative business model through participation in the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) Youth Leadership Congress and National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) National Youth Tour. Students who participate in YLC are also eligible to compete for scholarships through PPCS and WECA.
WHAT IS IT?
The WECA Youth Leadership Congress (YLC) is a dynamic three-day event for youth across Wisconsin to develop their leadership skills and learn about the purpose, operation, and scope of cooperative business. For over 50 years, YLC has provided an excellent opportunity for students to learn about cooperatives and then apply these time-tested principles in their own lives.
WHEN & WHERE
YLC is held in July at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
WHO CAN GO?
High school students entering their junior or senior year and live in PPCS' service territory.
WHAT DOES IT COST?
PPCS sponsors students to the YLC. The cost of transportation, registration, room and meal fees is paid by PPCS.
Students who have attended the YLC are encouraged to apply as a delegate for the NRECA National Youth Tour in Washington, DC. PPCS sponsors one delegate to the National Youth Tour. If a PPCS sponsored student is elected to the YLC Youth Board, that student is also sponsored by PPCS for the National Youth Tour.
The PPCS delegate will be selected through an essay contest.
WHAT IS IT?
The Youth Tour has brought high school students to Washington, D.C. for a week in June every year since the late 1950s. Students see their nation’s capital up close, learn about the political process and interact with their elected officials.
Students gain a personal understanding of American history and their role as a citizen by meeting their Representative and Senators. While student groups are organized at the state level, they all come together for Youth Day, where they get to meet each other and hear featured speakers who provide insight to the important roles electric cooperatives play in their communities.
WHO CAN GO?
Students who have attended the Youth Leadership Congress the summer immediately preceding their application for the National Youth Tour.
WHAT DOES IT COST?
There is no cost to the student, other than spending money for incidentals and souvenirs. The cost of transportation, registration, room and meal fees is paid by PPCS.
HOW IS THE DELEGATE CHOSEN?
Students must submit an essay answering two questions provided by PPCS.
