Youth Leadership Conference

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YLC to be held in-person, July 11–13, 2023 at UW-Stout

All cost associated with this three-day youth conference are paid for by Jump River Electric Cooperative.  Apply today with your high school guidance counselor or call Denise at 715-532-5524 for more information. 

ABOUT YLC:  One of the key components of JREC's educational programming for young people is the three-day Youth Leadership Conference (YLC) held at UW-Stout. Students who attend are from throughout the state, and are sponsored by Wisconsin cooperatives. Activities focus on maximizing leadership potential, understanding cooperatives and co-op governance—the students organize and operate a functioning cooperative during the event—effective communication, and turning mistakes into stepping stones for success.  

Past YLC students have described this conference as having a lot of fun activities and one that provides a great opportunity to meet a lot of cool people and build friendships and leadership skills that will last a lifetime. 

High school students learn the basics about cooperatives and how they can apply the ideals and philosophies of cooperation directly to their lives.  Students leave this three-day event understanding what it takes to be a great leader and how they can positively impact their peers, schools, and communities.  

Participating students elect a six-member YLC Youth Board who will help plan the following year's Leadership Conference, have the opportunity to attend the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth Tour in Washington, DC, and visit the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) offices and State Capitol legislative offices.

Students who attend are able to participate in WECA's annual essay contest.  The contest consist of writing on co-op oriented subjects, competed for the chance to win one of three scholarships of $1000, $500, and $250, redeemable at any accredited post-secondary educational institution in the U.S. 

This conference is recommended for this years sophomore or junior students.  Jump River Electric Cooperative is looking to sponsor students who live within their service area.  All fees for this conference are taken care of by Jump River Electric Cooperative.  If you are interested in finding out more about the YLC or attending this free conference, please contact the Cooperative or your guidance counselor as soon as possible and prior to May 12, 2023.  Deadlines may vary by school.