Baker City, Oregon (OTEC) — Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative is funding a new scholarship opportunity for high school sophomores to spend a week on the campus of the College of Idaho developing leadership and team-building skills.
Up to six sophomores from Baker, Grant, Harney and Union counties will have an opportunity to attend the 32nd annual Idaho Consumer Owned Utilities Association’s Youth Rally in Caldwell. The 2019 camp is set for July 15 through July 20.
“This is a great opportunity for youth in the OTEC service territory to develop critical leadership and team-building skills,” said Joy Van Cleave, OTEC’s Southern Division office supervisor who is spearheading the scholarship opportunity. “Plus, they have the opportunity meet students from other areas. It should be a great all-around experience.”
Many years ago, OTEC had offered Youth Rally scholarships, but when student interest dwindled, the co-op’s participation became dormant. Recently, OTEC decided to bring back the program and offer it exclusively to high school sophomores. OTEC will pay all expenses for students. As in all other OTEC scholarships, the program is funded from interest earned on unclaimed capital credits.
“We’re pretty excited to reactivate the program,” said Sandra Ghormley, OTEC director of member and program services. “This program is such a good fit with our other scholarship offerings. For over 20 years, cooperatives from Alaska, Montana, Nevada, Washington, Oregon and Idaho have sent young people to this training. The Youth Rally Leadership conference is just one more opportunity for young people in our communities to enrich their education, develop leadership skills, and learn what their local co-op is about. The kids do a lot of fun things, but in the process, they develop teamwork skills and learn to be leaders in their communities.”
Participants experience a week of classes and activities that promote positive relationships, learn more about how our government works, receive drug and alcohol awareness training and get to discuss changes in the electric/energy industry, all that along with developing teamwork and communication skills. The program includes a tour of the Idaho State Capitol, an opportunity to listen to influential guest speakers and gain some insight into the electric utility industry. In addition, the participants are involved in fun team building activities such as games, dances, a talent show and a visit to the Roaring Springs Water Park.
Throughout the week-long rally, participants are being observed and evaluated on things such as engagement in activities, demonstrating leadership, asking questions, interacting with others, random acts of kindness and overcoming obstacles. Each participant will also have a panel interview, where they will answer a series of questions about themselves.
At the end of the week, a tally of evaluation and interview points will be combined to rate their participation and development.
In addition, one participant from OTEC will be voted on by their peers to return the following year as a youth director.
Ghormley said OTEC’s renewed involvement in the Youth Rally is a continued focus on commitment to community.
“At OTEC we take the Seven Cooperative Principles seriously and try to apply it each day to our work. Those principles along with a drive to fulfill our mission permeate daily business decisions—to safely provide reliable electric and related services that support the economy and quality of life of our members,” she said. “We’re your neighbors and your friends and basically want the same things, to make our communities better. The Youth Rally is just another example of OTEC’s commitment to the communities we serve and our members.”
Applications, which are available through the OTEC website, are due by April 15.