Apply Now for the 2020 Youth Tour Contest

Perhaps OEC’s best-known and most anticipated youth program, the Youth Tour contest is now open for applications. OEC annually sponsors four delegates — all juniors from high schools within its service territory — on the week-long, all-expenses-paid educational trip to Washington, D.C.

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. Youth Tour has earned a reputation as “a trip of a lifetime” by former participants. Youth Tour will be held June 19-25, 2020.

THE CONTEST

The Youth Tour competition process is designed to reflect the realities of our society and its preference for dynamic, personal interactions. In today's professional world, employers and thought leaders want to see presenters who make a connection with the audience while communicating a message.

Applicants will write an essay or speech on the topic outlined below. Eight finalists will deliver a presentation based on their essay at the Youth Tour Banquet (Friday, Feb. 21, 2020). Eight applicants will be selected as finalists to progress in the contest. At the OEC Youth Tour Banquet (Friday, Feb. 21, 2020), four of the eight finalists will be chosen as Youth Tour winners, and the other four finalists will attend RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) Leadership Camp at Goddard Youth Camp.

ESSAY/SPEECH 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. Today, co-ops of all kinds bring that same spirit of purpose and cooperation to the changing needs of a new generation.

Essay/Speech Question: How would you use co-op principles to satisfy a need in your community?

Applicants must submit a 750–1,000 word essay or speech by Dec. 31 at 11:59 p.m. and must be juniors in high school.

THE PRESENTATION

Eight finalists will be chosen and will be required to attend both a skills development workshop (Jan. 25, 2020) and the Youth Tour banquet (Feb. 21, 2020), where they will present their ideas before an audience. Finalists receive a financial stipend to purchase professional clothing for their presentations.

HOW TO ENTER

Visit www.okcoop.org/YouthTour or use your smartphone's camera to scan the QR code below for a helpful downloadable study guide and for more information. Applicants may submit the online application form and supporting documents as soon as the form becomes available on Sept. 1.

All entries must be submitted no later than Dec. 31, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. Follow OEC Youth on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ OECyouth) for reminders and past Youth Tour experiences.

Contact Tory Tedder- Loffland, education and outreach coordinator, tory@okcoop.org or 217-6726, if you have any questions.