Youth Leadership Council

In 1976, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) board of directors created the Youth Leadership Council (YLC) as a joint effort of local electric cooperatives, electric cooperative statewide associations, and NRECA, to provide an extension of youth activities at the state and local level. One high school student per state is selected by each statewide association’s Youth Tour director and these names are announced each year during the Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.

The YLC emphasizes the development of strong leadership, presentation, and advocacy skills in America’s most promising young leaders. NRECA coordinates a series of educational workshops for the YLC, which covers topics like the cooperative business model, grassroots advocacy, community service, and careers in public service.

The representative attends the weeklong NRECA Annual Meeting, usually held in spring. The YLC representative takes part in the 14,000-delegate meeting by assisting with the information booth, pressroom, backstage tradeshow booths, committee rooms and meetings, ushering and copy room.

The North Carolina YLC representative addresses the North Carolina Statewide Annual Meeting in Raleigh and may also be asked to speak at the annual meeting of the sponsoring cooperative. In addition, the representative will attend the Youth Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.

Selection is based on application information, speaking ability, and interaction with fellow youth tourists and advisors.

As an added incentive, the North Carolina YLC representative receives a $2,000 college scholarship.

To apply for a position on the Youth Leadership Council, please contact Jane Forehand at 1-800-662-8835, extension 3067 or jane.forehand@ncemcs.com for more information.