Calling All 11th Graders Served by Twin County Electric
Twin County Electric Power Association is accepting applications for the 2027 Cooperative Youth Leaders Program. This fully funded leadership experience gives high school juniors the opportunity to learn about the cooperative business model, strengthen their leadership skills, and experience government in action at the state and national levels.
Application Deadline: November 10, 2026
There is no cost to participate. Twin County Electric covers travel, lodging, meals, educational materials, admission fees, and other program expenses.
Learn. Grow. Experience.
Through the Cooperative Youth Leaders Program, students will:
- Learn the value of the cooperative business model and the impact electric cooperatives have on their communities.
- Grow their communication, confidence, decision-making, teamwork, and leadership skills.
- Experience the democratic process at the state and federal levels through visits to Jackson and Washington, D.C.
A Four-Part Leadership Experience
Contact your high school guidance counselor for application instructions and an official entry form. Students selected by their school must submit the completed entry form and student profile sheet by November 10, 2026.
- High school juniors within Twin County Electric's service area
- Students who live with a parent or legal guardian who is a Twin County Electric member
- Students with a B average or higher in general or advanced courses
- Students with outstanding citizenship and a solid school attendance record
- Students with an outgoing personality and an interest in leadership
Participation in church or community service activities is beneficial. Each high school may select up to two students to attend Twin County Electric's Cooperative University. Following interviews at Cooperative University, two students will be selected to represent Twin County Electric in the full statewide program.
Contact your high school guidance counselor for application instructions and an official entry form. Students selected by their school must submit the completed entry form and student profile sheet by November 10, 2026.
Youth Leadership Council Opportunity
Students selected for the program may also take part in the statewide selection process for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth Leadership Council. One student will represent Mississippi for a one-year term and receive a $2,500 scholarship. The first and second alternates will receive scholarships of $1,500 and $1,000, respectively.
“This experience has shaped me in ways words can hardly describe. I came into the program hoping to learn, but I left with lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and a renewed sense of purpose. It reminded me that leadership is not about being the loudest person in the room but about lifting others up and leading with kindness.”
— Raven McElvaine, 2026 Twin County EPA Youth Tour Student
Questions?
Contact your high school guidance counselor or Chris Hamilton at Twin County Electric Power Association.
Phone: (662) 827-2262
Email: chamilton@twincoepa.com
Raven McElvaine, Hayden Smith, and Hunter Roberson.
Schyla Johnson and Walker Garrett
Claire Siebert, Hannah Hooker, and Walker Winters.
Keaton Murrell and Bo Ray.