Iowa Youth Leadership Academy

It is a virtual leadership program designed for high school students across Iowa. 

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HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: 
YOUR LEADERSHIP JOURNEY STARTS HERE

Are you a high school student interested in leadership, advocacy, government, or making a difference in your community? RVEC encourages local students to participate in the Iowa Youth Leadership Academy, a free, two-part virtual program that helps students build leadership skills while learning more about electric cooperatives and the communities they serve.

The Iowa Youth Leadership Academy is open to high school students in RVEC’s service area and will be held in two live Zoom sessions in October.

Program Dates

  • Sunday, October 4 | 7 p.m. Why Cooperatives Matter & How to Effectively Advocate
  • Sunday, October 18 | 7 p.m. Being a Leader

Each session will last approximately 45–60 minutes and can be attended on a computer, tablet, or mobile device. Students will hear from engaging speakers and learn practical leadership and advocacy skills they can apply in school, their communities, and beyond.

Scholarships Available

There are some great incentives for participating:

  • A $500 college scholarship will be awarded to one student at the end of each live session.
     
  • $1,000 college scholarship – Students who attend both sessions will be entered in an additional scholarship drawing.
     
  • Co-op gift box – Every student who registers online will receive a special box of electric cooperative goodies.
     
  • Youth Tour opportunity – Students will learn more about the Iowa Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., a weeklong program that offers students the chance to experience our nation’s capital, learn about government and public policy, and meet other young people from across Iowa.

The 2027 Youth Tour is scheduled for June 16–22, 2027.

Why Should You Participate?

Leadership isn't something you have to wait until college or your career to develop. The Iowa Youth Leadership Academy gives students the opportunity to build confidence, learn to advocate effectively for issues they care about, and discover how electric cooperatives make a difference in rural Iowa communities.

Whether you're interested in government and public service or simply want to become a stronger leader, this program offers a great opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.

Ready to Get Started?

Registration is free! High school students in the RVEC service area can learn more and register at IowaYouthTour.com.

We encourage local students to take advantage of this opportunity—and perhaps even represent RVEC at the 2027 Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.!