Jo-Carroll Energy participates each year in the Youth to Washington Tour, scheduled for June 14-21 in 2013. This tour allows high school students an opportunity to get a close look at their state and federal governments. This program is sponsored through the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperative (AIEC) and its member cooperatives. The Youth to Washington program has been in existence for more than 40 years. Many alumni of this program work local, state and federal government or serve as elected officials. The program rewards students for academic achievement and community leadership, while educating them about the democratic form of government and the role of electric co-ops in the national economy. While experiencing the wonder of our nation’s Capitol, the trip fosters leadership skills that students are able to take home in hopes that they too can make a difference in their communities.
Jo-Carroll Energy currently sponsors two students from its service area on the weeklong, all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C, joined by more than 60 other students from across the state of Illinois. For more information about the Youth to Washington tour, visit www.youthtour.coop.
Students are selected via an application and interview process. Jo-Carroll Energy also requires a letter of recommendation written by a non-family member that exhibits the student’s leadership abilities and community involvement (i.e. teacher, community leader, organization advisor, coach). Potential applicant qualifications are to be the son or daughter of a Jo-Carroll Energy Co-op Member and be a high school junior or senior for the coming academic year.
