The broadest, and maybe the most meaningful definition of volunteering: Doing more than you have to because you want to, in a cause you consider good.       - Ivan Scheier

In 1957, Senator Lyndon Johnson inspired the very first Youth Tour as he addressed the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's Annual Meeting in Chicago. Johnson wanted to send young people to the nation's capital so they could see firsthand how the United States government works and what the flag truly represents. The idea quickly caught on, and by 1964, NRECA began coordinating the program for several states to participate at the same time. Today, that tradition has continued, and grown into a power-packed week of crash courses in leadership, policy, history and networking.

Jackson EMC developed two very competitive programs in order to select our delegates for the Washington Youth Tour — the Energy Bowl and Speech Bowl. This year, we revisited the impact of each competition and how they serve as an opportunity to benefit our young participants and enhance their scholarship applications. With that, we've decided to discontinue the Speech Bowl, and offer a competition that is close to our cooperative principle, "Concern for Community." It is with great pleasure that we introduce the Youth Citizenship Award, a scholarship competition that raises the bar for community service.

Making the most of those valuable moments to make the lives of others better is a commendable act of selflessness that often goes unnoticed. As a corporate citizen dedicated to bettering the communities we serve, Jackson EMC applauds the efforts of those giving their time to volunteer, especially the young citizens of our communities.

Scholarship Opportunities

The winner of the Youth Citizenship Award will win a $500 scholarship, a $1,000 grant to distribute to the civic organization of his or her choice and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. to learn more about leadership and civic involvement on the Washington Youth Tour.

Requirements for Participation

• Submit a complete application
• Have a minimum cumulative 2.5 Grade Point Average
• Be a junior or senior in high school, and 16-years old by June 10, 2004
• Attend a high school in Jackson EMC's service territory (student does not have to be a member)
• Present a letter of recommendation from a club/organization sponsor where you have volunteered
• Student cannot be enrolled in college or taking college courses in the summer of 2004
• Students must not have any scheduling conflicts during the Youth Tour dates

All complete application packets will be reviewed. Of those applications, five finalists will be selected and enter the second round of competition. The finalists will then go before a panel and undergo an interview process to determine the winner. Students may volunteer in the community through school organizations, a church or civic organization where bettering the community is a key part of the organization's mission.

The Youth Tour will be held June 10-17, 2004. Applicants must be sure other activities or events don't interfere with the Tour dates if he or she is selected.