At LPEA we stand firm in our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and fostering a deep sense of community. It's with great pride that we announce a significant milestone in this journey—a group of four exceptional high school juniors from our local area will represent us at the prestigious National Rural Electric Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., from June 17-23, 2024. This initiative is more than just an educational trip; it's a testament to our commitment to our cooperative principle of concern for our community and our dedication to fostering the development of youth.

Meet Our Future Leaders

Candidates were chosen for their outstanding leadership qualities and academic achievements. Allow us to introduce these bright young individuals whose excitement and anticipation for the tour shine through their own words:

• Edward Herrera from Bayfield High School shares, "The Youth Tour will allow me to connect and interact with like-minded people. This will allow me to discover the inner workings of the electric rural cooperative world."
• Ellie Casias from Durango High School reflects, “The Youth Tour represents an opportunity to grow not only as a leader but as a person who wishes to make a difference in the world.”
• Noah LeMasters from Ignacio High School, expresses gratitude: “Attending the Youth Tour is an experience I feel really lucky to have been selected for. I’m looking forward to learning new things, seeing new places, and meeting new people. Thank you for this awesome opportunity, LPEA!”
• Aspen Salazar from Pagosa Springs High School, anticipates personal growth: “The independence and adventures this trip will bring me is getting me prepared for my future. I am experiencing an opportunity that will benefit me for the rest of my life. Thank you, LPEA!”

A Week of Immersive Learning

Throughout this immersive week, our delegates will have the opportunity to delve into American history, engage with elected officials, and gain insights into the electric utility industry, focusing on the cooperative business model. This experience is not just about sightseeing; it's an educational journey that emphasizes the importance of civic involvement and the power of community-based initiatives.

Why the Youth Tour Matters

The concept of the Youth Tour was envisioned by Senator Lyndon Johnson in 1957 with the goal of enriching young Americans' understanding of their national heritage and the critical role of civic engagement. He famously stated, “If one thing goes out of this meeting, it will be sending youngsters to the national capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents.” Today, this vision is more relevant than ever, as we seek to inspire a sense of duty and leadership among our youth.

Our Pledge to Our Members and Community

At LPEA, our dedication to our members and the broader community is unwavering. Through initiatives like the National Rural Electric Youth Tour, we are investing in the leaders of tomorrow—ensuring they have the tools, experiences, and knowledge to shape a brighter future for all of us. To our members, we promise to continue these efforts, building a legacy of leadership, engagement, and community solidarity that will endure for generations to come.

As our delegates prepare for this life-changing journey, we invite you, our members, to join us in supporting them. Together, we're not just preparing these young individuals for the challenges ahead; we're empowering them to become the change-makers our community and our nation need. Here's to cultivating tomorrow's leaders today, with each step forward on this remarkable journey.

Applications open in September, and candidates are chosen in February every year. For more details, please visit the LPEA Youth Tour webpage.