The application is now open for the 2021 Virtual Youth Experience. Sophomores and juniors should apply before February 28, 2021 to be considered for the Virtual Youth Experience.
The Virtual Youth Experience (June 21-25, 2021) was created in response to the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 Washington Youth Tour and Cooperative Youth Summit. Though this virtual experience does not replace the in-person trips, it provides a unique experience to high school sophomores and juniors that aims to develop important leadership skills. The VYE gives students the opportunity to earn $5,000 scholarships, meet state and federal leaders, and add to their resumes ahead of college applications.
Winners are chosen on the basis of their school and community involvement, communication skills and knowledge gained about cooperatives in the application process. To be eligible, students must be current high school sophomores or juniors and live and/or attend school in the Lynches River Electric Cooperative’s service area.
Students will be entered to be chosen for the Virtual Youth Experience by completing the following application. Selected applicants are required to participate in a short video-conference interview. Each applicant will be contacted following the submission of a completed application to schedule an interview appointment.
R.D. Bennett Scholarship
Students selected to go on the Washington Youth Tour or Cooperative Youth Summit are qualified to compete for the Robert D. Bennett Scholarship through the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina (ECSC). A one-time check in the amount of $5,000 will be issued to the student and the college, university, trade or technical school of the winning student’s choice, by the state association of electric cooperatives.
The scholarship winner is chosen based on the successful completion of a community service project. The winner will be announced in August.
These trips have been canceled for 2021. Each year, Lynches River Electric Cooperative sends selected high school juniors to Columbia, S.C. and to Washington D.C. to experience democracy firsthand.
This trip has been canceled for 2021. The Cooperative Youth Summit, scheduled for July of each year, allows students to experience South Carolina’s capital like never before. Students will take a private tour of the Statehouse, meet lawmakers and see how electric cooperatives are preparing for our state’s energy future.
This trip has been canceled for 2021. The Washington Youth Tour, scheduled in June each year, is designed to get students involved in the political process. Students selected for the trip will meet members of their legislative delegation, tour sites of historical significance and attend cultural events. To see what an exciting experience the Washington Youth Tour can visit www.youthtour.coop.