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SECO Energy’s Youth Tour Leadership Program Now Open for Applications

2025 Youth Tour Delegates Jayley Lewis and Lilly Brogan
SECO Energy’s 2025 Washington, D.C. Youth Tour Delegates Jayley Lewis and Lillian Brogan

SECO Energy is now accepting applications for the 2026 Youth Tour leadership program, designed to inspire youth who are passionate about the energy industry, history, and leadership. 

 

This two-part experience offers 12 local high school juniors – who live in a home served by SECO Energy – the chance to attend the Tallahassee Youth Tour, an overnight learning opportunity from February 4-5, 2026. Participants will tour the Governor’s Mansion, the Florida State Capitol, and legislative chambers, while gaining insight into the legislative process and the Cooperative business model. SECO Energy will cover the cost of transportation, meals, and hotel accommodations.  

 

But that’s not all! After the Tallahassee Youth Tour, these 12 participants will have a second opportunity to compete for one of four exclusive spots to represent SECO Energy on a fully sponsored, once-in-a-lifetime trip to our nation’s capital to join the National Youth Tour hosted by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).  

 

In June 2026, the four selected delegates will join their peers from across the country for a weeklong trip to Washington, D.C., where they will visit the U.S. Capitol, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Smithsonian Museums. They’ll meet elected officials, explore potential career paths, develop leadership skills through hands-on experiences and workshops, and deepen their understanding of electric cooperatives and how they support rural communities across America.  

 

Past delegates Lillian Brogan and Jayley Lewis, who participated in the 2025 program, reflected on their experiences:

 

“Having the opportunity to be a Youth Tour delegate was life changing. I learned so much not only about electric co-ops but about myself as well. I gained new friendships and the importance of community. Nothing is like the experience of learning how governance cooperation works and how it impacts the community,” said Lillian.

“Throughout the experience, I learned how to advocate for myself and my community with confidence by talking to Florida Representatives, lobbyists, and peers,” said Jayley. “The future of our nation lies in the present generation. We must seize every opportunity to learn, lead, and listen, all of which are emphasized in this program,” she added.

 

Youth Tour empowers students to make their mark through leadership, service, and transformative experiences. Whether their passion lies in the energy industry, politics, history, or simply seeking adventure, this program provides personal growth and professional development that prepares them for what’s ahead. 

 

Know a high school junior with leadership potential and big dreams?

Don’t let this opportunity pass them by. Encourage them to apply online today at SECOEnergy.com/youth-tour-application. Applications are open from October 1 to December 15, 2025.  Winners will be notified by December 31, 2025. 

Energy Efficiency Sparks for Sorrento Elementary

While summer school was still in session, SECO Energy Services Specialist Dustin Merritt introduced energy efficiency basics to students in Sorrento. As an energy efficiency expert, Dustin covered the simple ways kids can help their parents save energy at the home.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy is committed to educating the youngest members within the communities it serves about energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. SECO’s “Kids and Energy” presentation teaches elementary-age students about renewable types of energy such as solar, wind, water and biomass power. Students also learn ways they can be energy efficient at home. They test their new found knowledge with an interactive quiz at the end of the presentation and take home energy efficiency activity books, pencils and other small prizes.

 

Students as young as elementary age can increase energy efficiency in their homes by reminding parents to change older light bulbs to either the CFL or LED types and look for ENERGY STAR labels on light bulbs, electronics and appliances. Young children can be reminded to turn off lights in unused rooms, take shorter showers and keep doors and windows closed while the HVAC is running.

 

Dustin enjoys working with young students and stated, “The students I work with love this interactive presentation. Each child has their own personal “clicker” that allows them to answer the questions in the quiz. Kids this age are eager to learn and open to new ideas, this is the right age to begin teaching kids about saving energy and renewable energy. They want to be good stewards for the future. This generation will do more to be responsible with their energy consumption, to create less waste and invent new ways to become energy efficient.”

 

Are you interested in learning more about energy efficiency, renewable energy or electrical safety? SECO Energy offers a variety of speakers and presentations for groups of any age and size. Contact SECO to schedule a speaker and presentation. “Like” SECO Energy’s Facebook page and “follow” us on Twitter for cooperative updates and the latest news releases.