Ten area high school students learned first-hand about politics, the cooperative form of business and being a leader during a three-day trip to Jefferson City sponsored by Intercounty Electric Cooperative.
The Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience (CYCLE) program included nationally known speakers and a day at the Missouri State Capitol learning how a bill goes through the process to become a law. To learn more about electric cooperatives, the group was divided up into small teams that competed in various events like the “build a cooperative” game. Another highlight was hearing from the Rachel’s Challenge Organization –– named after Rachel Scott, the first student killed in the Columbine High School tragedy.
The CYCLE program has existed 11 years and is a recipient of the National Community Youth Service award for the top youth program among all electric cooperatives in the country. The local students were among 102 high schoolers from across Missouri who participated.