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Time to Shine
Youth Tour contest open to high school juniors
Perhaps OEC’s best-known and most anticipated youth program, Youth Tour offers high school juniors a week-long, all-expenses-paid educational trip to Washington, D.C. in June of each year. Four deserving students travel with the Oklahoma delegation (70+ students) to our nation’s capital where they tour historic sites and national landmarks, meet Oklahoma’s congressional delegation and more.
Currently, the Youth Tour trip is scheduled for June 13-19, 2025.
Contest Requirements
• A high school junior residing in OEC's service area
• Available to attend the Speech Workshop, Live Presentation (March 6), and Youth Tour (June 13-19)
• Confirmed availability with parents, coaches, church group, club sponsors, etc.
Contest Summary
Applicants will submit an essay or written speech on the topic outlined below.
Eight applicants will be selected as finalists to progress in the contest.
Four winners will be selected following their live presentations March 6, 2025.
THE TOPIC:
Over 80 years ago, America’s farmers and rural citizens joined together to bring electricity to their communities — communities which the for-profit companies refused to serve. As a result, they improved the quality of life for rural Americans by satisfying an unmet need. Co-ops of all kinds bring that same spirit of purpose and cooperation to the changing needs of a new generation.
Write an essay explaining How Cooperatives Stregthen Your Community.
ESSAY OR SPEECH
Write an original essay or speech answering the above question. Ensure it's 750-900 words and double-spaced. Deadline to enter is Jan. 24.
ONLINE ENTRY FORM
Submit your essay through the online entry form. Be sure to mention Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (OEC) in your application essay.
SPEECH WORKSHOP
Eight finalists are required to attend a halfday speech workshop to be held the morning of February 15, 2025. There, they will learn techniques to hone their speech craft and visual presentation skills as well as co-op information.
LIVE PRESENTATION
Finalists will present their co-op ideas live before three judges on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at a banquet held at OEC's headquarters.
In this contest, judges look for each applicant's power of persuasion – first in writing and then in oration. Present your speech with confidence, showing your understanding of cooperatives and their impact. Convince the judges that coops play an essential role in every community. Make a strong connection by highlighting that supporting cooperatives means investing in the resilience and prosperity of local communities.
Learn more at okcoop.org/YouthTour, and when you're ready, apply here.
Questions? Contact Community Outreach Associate Carrie Koesler at 217-6726 or carrie.koesler@okcoop.org.