We're looking for Steuben County's best and brightest high school juniors.
Spend a life-changing week in Washington, D.C. on the Indiana Youth Tour.
Steuben County REMC is proud to host high school juniors each year for the NRECA Rural Electric Youth Tour to Washington Indiana's Touchstone Energy cooperatives have hosted the Youth Tour since 1960, providing hundreds of young Hoosiers the opportunity to visit our nation's capital and learn about the federal government and the cooperative utility industry.
Nearly 1,600 students from all over the country join together to see the sites, like Gettysburg National Battlefield and the national memorials, learn powerful leadership skills during several training and educational programs and meet with representatives of their state's Congressional delegation. The trip is an exciting whirlwind of fun, learning and growing, all packed into a single outing.
Application process has not opened.
Step 1:
Click this link or go to https://www.indianaec.org/programs/youth/youth-tour/ to apply.
Step 2:
Each applicant must submit a 5 paragraph essay covering the following prompt: What is the importance of Steuben County REMC sponsoring students for the Youth Tour, and if chosen, how do you see your role as a delegate for our community? No handwritten essays will be accepted. Please submit essays to remcsteuben@remcsteuben.com.
Students must be high school juniors enrolled at a Steuben County school (including Prairie Heights, Angola, Fremont, Hamilton, or a Steuben County homeschool program) at the time of application. Students will complete an essay and application and take part in an interview process before selection decisions are made. Close relatives of current and former REMC directors or employees are not eligible.
Youth Leadership Council Scholarship Opportunity
Students who are selected to participate in the Youth Tour to Washington are invited and encouraged to try out for the Youth Leadership Council. One delegate will be chosen to represent the state of Indiana and win a $1,000 scholarship. The chosen delegate will return to Washington, D.C. in July for the YLC Leadership Conference, during which those who display a talent for public speaking are given the opportunity to compete for the title of National YLC Spokesperson. This spokesperson will have the honor of speaking before an audience of CEO's and directors from across the country at the NRECA Annual Meeting and address the Youth Tour delegation the following year in a return trip to D.C. Indiana's YLC delegate will also speak at the IEC Annual Meeting. Delegates are chosen based on three criteria; public speaking, delegate interview and leadership and interaction with peers, the most important of which is the public speaking component.
The student who has been chosen for the Indiana Youth Leadership Council will be given a $1,000 scholarship from Indiana Electric Cooperatives. Winners are based on their ability to write and deliver speeches.
Want to see what Youth Tour is all about? Click here to see past years' photo galleries!
Highlighting the Community Spirit of Co-op Youth
Sponsored by Indiana Connection, the Youth Power and Hope awards recognize Indiana fifth through eighth graders who have played an important role in their communities. The publication issues a call for entries each fall, during which time entrants complete an essay regarding community service, listing their community involvement and providing a letter of reference. The winners are honored at a ceremony at the Indiana Electric Cooperatives annual meeting in December each year. In addition to their recognition, these civic-minded youngsters receive $500. Apply and read more about the awards here.
The 2025 application deadline is October 3, 2025.
2015 Steuben County YP&H Nominee Elayna Hasty
with CEO Kevin Keiser and Luke Zeller.
2022 Steuben County YP&H Nominee Niles Knox
with CEO Kevin Keiser.
Each summer Steuben County REMC selects sixth graders from schools within our service territory to attend Camp Kilowatt, previously known as Touchstone Energy Camp, in Brookston, IN. Students come together with others from all over the state at Camp Tecumseh for a four-day adventure of activities where they learn about electricity, electrical safety, cooperatives and the environment, all while mixing in some fun with archery, horseback riding, wall climbing, bucket truck rides, swimming and much more.
We are proud to serve as a partner in this community and to offer new and exciting experiences to our future leaders.
To apply click here or go to https://www.indianaec.org/programs/youth/camp-kilowatt.
Application deadline has passed.
The application due date is March 3, 2025.
Students must currently be completing sixth grade in the spring to be eligible.
Want to see what camp is all about? Click here (link is external)to see our photo gallery!
Energize your summer!
Attend this fun, FREE camp for sixth graders heading into seventh grade.
The Cooperative Student Art Contest is held each spring. Hosted by Indiana Connection, it is a celebration of the works of students from all over the state. So get out your paintbrushes and canvas and start creating! For official rules and entry form, click the button below.
Do you know a budding artist?
They could receive a cash prize, statewide recognition and have their artwork published!
Application deadline is not open at this time.
Students interested in spending a day at the Indiana Statehouse Senate should apply here. The Electric Cooperative Page Day takes place January each year. Highlights include a Statehouse tour, mock bill activity, speakers, educational activities, and an opportunity to see the Indiana Legislature in action.
Application deadline is not available at this time.
Applicants must be in high school and have adequate transportation to and from the Statehouse in Indianapolis.