Oklahoma Youth Tour offers real-world experience that could be helpful in job and college interviews, as well as valuable leadership and public speaking opportunities.

It is a two-part competition open to high school juniors living and attending school in IEC’s service area.

Students participate by writing an essay and creating a short video about rural electric cooperatives. Then, finalists will have a 15-minute interview with judges before the top 4 finalists are chosen.

Two winners are selected for an expenses-paid tour of Washington D.C. on June 13-19, 2025, with winners from other Oklahoma co-ops. The other two finalists are awarded a trip to Leadership Youth Camp in Steamboat Springs, Colo. on July 11-17, 2025.

For more information email Brandi Ball at bball@iecok.com

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IEC Contest Guidelines

To apply you:

1. Must be a high school junior in the IEC service area

2. Must be available during both trip dates (June 13-19 and July 11-17)

3. Type an original essay (500-1,000 words)

4. Create a 60-90 second video

5. Upload the materials and complete the entry form on our website by February 3, 2025 at 5 p.m.

6. Essay finalists sit for a 15-minute interview at IEC

 

2025 YOUTH TOUR ESSAY

ESSAY CRITERIA

• Write an essay of 500-1,000 words on an energy topic that concerns you. You must present the issue and possible solutions to industry leaders and/or lawmakers.
• Essay must be typed and double-spaced on 8 1/2" X 11" paper.
• We will run an AI detection check. Use original work only or you will be disqualified and your school will be notified.
• Finalists will move on to the next round in the process, which is a 15-20 minute interview in which you will be asked questions about yourself, your interests and your aspirations for the future. The top four will win a trip.

 

2025 "IEC POWERS LIVES" VIDEO

Video: Show three things in your day that are made possible by the electric IEC provides. Must mention IEC in the video at least once or have it mentioned in the on-screen caption. Videos must be 1-2 minutes.
 

VIDEO CRITERIA

• Show three things in your day that are made possible by the electric IEC provides. Must mention IEC in the video at least once or have it mentioned in the on-screen caption.
• Record a TikTok style video (at least 60 seconds, no longer than 90 seconds). Record this VERTICALLY with your phone.
• Have fun with this component and show off your creativity!
• The videos from finalists will be shown on IEC social media accounts or our website. Your video presentation and creativity will be figured into the overall score.
• The video is mandatory, not optional. Each essay entered must be accompanied by a video.
• As mentioned above, finalists -- those who score the highest on the essay and video combined -- will move on to the next round in the process, which is a 15-20 minute interview in which you will be asked questions about yourself, your interests and your aspirations for the future. The top 4 will win a trip.