Apply to be a part of the 2025 Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.
Trip is June 13-19, 2025
Deadline to apply is February 3, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Link to entry form will be available here beginning November 25, 2025
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
IEC Contest Guidelines
To apply you:
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Must be a high school junior in the IEC service area
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Must be available during both trip dates (June 13-19 and July 11-17)
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Type an original essay on a TBA topic (500-1,000 words)
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Create a 1-2 minute video
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Upload the materials and complete the entry form on our website by February 3, 2025 at 5 p.m.
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Essay finalists sit for a 15-minute interview at IEC
2025 YOUTH TOUR ESSAY
TOPIC: TBA
ESSAY CRITERIA
- Write an original essay of 500-1,000 words on the topic provided.
- Speech must be typed and double-spaced on 8 1/2" X 11" paper.
- Your name will be redacted from the essay. Judges determine the finalists based on blind copies to avoid any perception of preferential treatment.
- The finalists chosen will be interviewed at IEC during a 15-minute session.
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
- Research and familiarize yourself with the distinctive qualities of cooperatives.
- Record a video (at least 1 minute, no longer than 2 minutes) about the “IEC Powers Lives"
- Have fun with this component and show off your creativity!
- The videos will be figured into the overall scoring by judges.
- Record your video horizontally (if using phone or tablet). Vertical submissions will not be accepted.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The websites below may be helpful as you prepare your entry:
History of American Cooperatives
Cooperative Information