Applicants sought for Great Lakes Energy youth leadership summit.

High school sophomores and juniors whose parents or guardians receive electric service from Great Lakes Energy are invited to apply by March 18, 2016 for two free leadership opportunities: the Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) and Washington, D.C. Youth Tour. These programs are designed to help students develop strong leadership habits, explore career opportunities in the electric industry, and engage in the democratic process.

YLS takes place April 27-29 at SpringHill Camps in Evart (near Cadillac). Presented by Michigan’s electric cooperatives, it is a high-energy, interactive experience. The three-day event brings students together from throughout Michigan to test themselves, mentally and physically, with a combination of hands-on classroom exercises and a high-ropes challenge over 30 feet in the air. Plus, students will learn how to respond in an emergency situation, explore diverse careers in energy, test their decision-making skills as an elected official, and learn what to expect as they prepare for life after high school. The learning activities and team-building fun all take place on the facility’s 515 acres of northern Michigan forests and rolling hills.

YLS is the first step towards an even greater adventure. All participants will be considered for a once-in-a-lifetime Washington, D.C. experience with the National Rural Electric Youth Tour, June 11-16. This all-expenses-paid trip provides students with the opportunity to watch history come alive as they explore the museums, memorials and monuments of our nation’s capital, and gives them a chance to meet face-to-face with their federal legislators.

For additional information, or to apply online, visit miYLS.com, or call 888-485-2537 ext. 8174.

Great Lakes Energy is a not-for-profit, member owned rural electric utility serving more than 125,000 members in 26 counties of western Michigan.