February 2026 | Opportunities for High School Students

Recently, I had the opportunity to work alongside friends, neighbors, and volunteers at a church event to help raise funds for a good cause. There were no titles on name tags. Just people serving together, pitching in, and supporting something bigger than themselves. Moments like that are a reminder that leadership is not about position. It is about presence.

Being part of the community we serve is important. One of the greatest rewards of that commitment is watching our young people grow and begin their own leadership journeys.

SEMO Electric Cooperative is proud to support opportunities that help students learn, lead, and see what is possible beyond their hometowns while staying connected to where they come from.

High school sophomores whose parent or legal guardian is a member owner of SEMO Electric Cooperative are eligible for the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience Tour. This three day leadership program will be held July 14 through July 17 in Jefferson City and brings together students from across Missouri to learn about leadership, teamwork, and civic engagement.

High school juniors are eligible for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth Tour, which will take place June 14 through June 20 in Washington DC. More than 1,500 students from across the country participate each year. Students meet their US Representatives and Senators, explore museums and memorials, and connect with student leaders from nearly every state.

The impact of these experiences lasts far beyond the trip itself. Students build confidence, gain perspective, and form friendships that often last a lifetime. Alumni of these programs can be found in every walk of life, including community leaders, business leaders, and US Senators.

The bottom line is simple. Strong communities are built when people serve together. Whether it is volunteering at a church fundraiser or investing in leadership opportunities for our youth, the work we do today shapes the future of the communities we serve.

Applications for both trips are open to high school students whose parent or legal guardian is a member owner of SEMO Electric Cooperative. Applications are available online at gosemo.com. The deadline to apply is February 2, 2026. I encourage our students to apply and take that next step. You never know where showing up might lead.

Book of the Month: “The antidote to irrational exuberance is not regulation by itself, nor skepticism, but humility. The humility to know that no system is foolproof, no market fully rational, and no generation exempt.” 1929 by Andrew Ross Sorkin

Keep pushing foward! Be smart. Act safely.

Vanslyke is general manager and chief executive officer of SEMO Electric Cooperative.