Attention High School Juniors
New-Mac Electric’s Youth Tour and CYCLE programs give local high school juniors the opportunity to experience leadership, government, and community in a way that goes far beyond the classroom.
Through an essay contest, students can earn an all-expense-paid educational trip to either Washington, D.C., or Jefferson City while learning more about the cooperative difference and how electric cooperatives strengthen the communities they serve.
The contest is open to high school juniors attending Carthage, Diamond, East Newton, Joplin, McDonald County, Neosho, Pierce City, Sarcoxie, Seneca, or Wheaton schools. Eligible home school and private school juniors residing within those districts may also participate. Immediate family members of New-Mac Electric employees and board members are not eligible.
Youth Tour gives students the opportunity to join peers from across Missouri and the nation for a week in Washington, D.C., where they’ll explore historic landmarks, learn about government firsthand, and build lifelong friendships.
CYCLE, which stands for Cooperative Youth Conference & Leadership Experience, takes students to Jefferson City for a multi-day leadership experience focused on state government, cooperatives, and personal growth. Students also participate in hands-on activities, tours, and leadership development opportunities.
Both programs are designed to inspire the next generation of leaders while helping students better understand the value of community and cooperation.
PARTICIPATION
To enter the Youth Tour/CYCLE Contest, students must submit a 400 to 600 word essay on the following topic:
“In what ways does an electric cooperative strengthen its community beyond providing electricity?”
Each essay submission should include a cover sheet with the following information:
• Student name
• Address
• Telephone number
• Email address
• Parents’ or guardians’ names
• School name
• Essay word count
Essays may be mailed to:
New-Mac Electric
P.O. Box 310
Neosho, MO 64850
Attn: Youth Tour/CYCLE
Entries may also be emailed to ttaylor@newmac.com with “Youth Tour/CYCLE” included in the subject line.
All essays must be received by March 20, 2026.
Finalists will be selected from the essays and interviewed by a panel of judges at New-Mac’s Neosho office. The top two winners will attend Youth Tour, June 14-20, in Washington, D.C. The third- and fourth-place participants will take part in CYCLE July 14-17 in Jefferson City.
If you have additional questions about the contest, call our Member Services Department at (417) 451-1515.
2025 YOUTH TOUR/CYCLE WINNERS
