Each year, this action-filled four days provides high school students opportunities to learn what it is like to be involved in politics, the cooperative form of business, and being a leader. The program included nationally known speakers and time at the Missouri State Capitol learning how a bill goes through the process to become a law. To learn more about electric cooperatives, the group was divided up into teams that competed in various events such as the “build a cooperative” game.

Another highlight was hearing from the Rachel’s Challenge Organization. The presentation details the story of Rachel Scott, the first victim of the Columbine school tragedy. Rachel’s family and friends speak to youth around the world about her legacy of being a positive role model to everyone she met in life.

Students toured the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City. They also saw a live powerline demonstration and learned all about electric vehicles at Central Electric Power Cooperative’s headquarters.

The learning didn’t end in Jefferson City. Students took a day trip to St. Louis to tour the City Museum and St. Louis Arch. They also enjoyed an evening of food and games at Dave & Buster’s.

The CYCLE program is in its 23rd year and is a recipient of the National Community Youth Service award for the top youth program among all electric cooperatives in the country.

The annual contest is open to high school sophomores who live and attend school in CREC’s general service area, or who have Cuivre River Electric service in their homes. Applications for next year’s

program will be accepted in the spring. For more information about the CYCLE program, contact Tim Schmidt at 800-392-3709, ext. 4837 or email tschmidt@cuivre.com.

What CYCLE offers

Are you a high school sophomore who is a leader in your community and school? Do you want to learn more about Missouri state government? Would you like the opportunity to connect with other youth leaders and attend a national award-winning leadership program? Do you want to make a difference in your community? If you answered YES to any of these questions, then CYCLE is for you!

What is CYCLE? The Cooperative Youth Conference & Leadership Experience (CYCLE) is a program sponsored by Missouri’s Electric Cooperatives. CYCLE brings together some of Missouri’s brightest young leaders. The focus is to provide students with an inside look at Missouri state government, teach leadership skills and learn more about electric cooperatives. Make new friends, take exclusive tours, attend keynote presentations and delegate events. CYCLE is a truly unique and exciting leadership experience — not to mention, FUN! Cuivre River Electric will sponsor multiple high school sophomores to attend the next CYCLE event in Jefferson City on July 20-23, 2027. You could be next!

National Community Service Community Investment Award: The Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives (AMEC) CYCLE Program received the National Community Service Community Investment Award from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association in 2014. This esteemed award honors AMEC’s commitment to youth development through programs that help young citizens learn about electric power, develop leadership skills and make contributions to their communities through a variety of activities that emphasize electric cooperatives and the cooperative business model.

Leadership Development: Missouri electric cooperatives are helping their youth to understand Missouri state government, cooperative principles, learn to make good decisions and develop a positive outlook about public service. By engaging youth through the CYCLE program, electric cooperatives are helping to teach important skills to new generations of young citizens who will help their communities and nation grow.