Energizing Life Lessons

With the school year back in full swing, learning is top of mind for many families in our community. I’m deeply grateful for our local schools and the tremendous role they play in shaping young minds — including my own children’s. However, let’s not forget that some of life’s most valuable lessons take place beyond classroom walls. That’s why Powell Valley Electric Cooperative is proud to support a range of educational initiatives throughout the year.

One such opportunity is the Young Leaders Conference, held each February in Franklin, Tennessee, by the Tennessee Council of Cooperatives. Powell Valley Electric Cooperative selects a delegate to attend this event, where attendees learn about the cooperative business model and its benefits. The ideas and experiences gained there empower them to return home with fresh insights and leadership potential.

Each year, we also send two students to the Youth Leadership Summit in Nashville, Tennessee, hosted by the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. This summit is designed to inspire students to grow as leaders and understand the critical role that electric cooperatives play in Tennessee. Attendees get a close-up view of the legislative process by visiting Capitol Hill, sitting in on committee sessions and meeting with state legislators.

Since the 1960s, more than 6,000 high school juniors have taken part in the Electric Cooperative Creative Writing and Scholarship Competition. Powell Valley Electric Cooperative proudly continues that tradition today. Essay winners earn a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington, D.C., along with opportunities for additional travel and thousands of dollars in scholarship awards to support their education.

In June, Powell Valley Electric Cooperative also participates in the 4-H Electric Camp, held at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. This hands-on camp allows sixth, seventh and eighth graders from across the state to explore the world of electricity and consider future careers in the energy sector.

These educational programs leave a lasting impression on the students who take part. They’re just one of the many ways Powell Valley Electric Cooperative is committed to empowering the next generation and energizing our community every day.

– Brad Coppock