When I started at the cooperative 25 years ago, I was impressed by the wide range of programs we offered, and that list has only continued to grow.

One area I’m especially proud of is our youth programming. I’m often asked why an electric cooperative invests in students. The answer is simple: these programs introduce young people to the cooperative business model, teach them about electrical safety, and spark curiosity and leadership at an early age.

In the past five years, our connection with local youth has grown even stronger. We’re meeting students where they are — at school events, extracurricular activities, and even on Instagram. Our safety demonstrations continue to be one of our most popular offerings, reaching hundreds of students, teachers, and parents each year.

Beyond safety education, we’re committed to providing opportunities for students to learn about their electric cooperative, earn scholarships, and participate in programs that help them grow as leaders. One of my favorite initiatives is the Indiana Electric Cooperative Youth Tour — an all-inclusive trip to Washington, D. C., for high school juniors. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Indiana’s delegation joins students from across the country to explore our nation’s capital, meet with legislators, and take part in a youth rally hosted by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

We are also proud to support high schoolers pursuing higher education. Annually, we award 10, $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors. We’re thrilled to invest in our youth and play a small part in their educational journey.

And that’s not all — students can also participate in Camp Kilowatt, Page Day, Youth Power and Hope Awards, and the Cooperative Student Art Contest.

If you have young people in your life, I encourage you to share these opportunities with them. Let’s work together to connect our youth to these great opportunities!

Applications for both Youth Tour and WIN Energy REMC scholarships are open until Feb. 13, 2026. To learn more about these programs and apply, visit winenergyremc.com or call us at 800-882-5140.