PowerUp Youth Leadership

Unlock your potential, build and improve leadership skills, dive into your strengths, and explore career opportunities with PowerUp Youth Leadership!

We are thrilled that you have taken the initiative to power yourself and apply for the PowerUp Youth Leadership Program sponsored by West River Electric. 20 high school Juniors or Seniors across West River Electric's service territory will be selected to participate in the program.

 

Eligibility:

-Applicant must be a Junior or Senior during the 2025-2026 school year.

-Have an interest in furthering their leadership skills, gaining knowledge about cooperatives, and West River Electric.

-Fully commit to power yourself with a fun, positive, open mind ready to accept everything the program will offer. 

Student Commitments:

-Students are encouraged to attend our Member Appreciation Day in Sept., our Annual Meeting in October, and our tailgate event during the Wall vs. New Underwood football teams. They are required to attend both program days (School observed Native American/Columbus Day-Oct. 13th and Martin Luther King Day-Jan, 19th.) In the event of inclement weather, a make-up session will be held a later date.

-Program days will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

-Students are responsible for transportation to and from the required sessions on the dates above. 

Selection Process:

-All applicants will be reviewed by the PowerUp executive committee.

-Applicants will be notified by Sept. 17, 2025, on the status of their application. 

Apply now

Submit an online application HERE

Download an application HERE

     Mail to: West River Electric Attn: PowerUp Youth Leadership

                  3250 E Hwy 44 Rapid City, SD 57703

Deadline to apply is September 10, 2025, by 5:00 p.m.

 

PowerUp FAQ:

West River Electric is excited to provide this leadership class to all 2025-2026 high school Juniors and Seniors who want to gain a better understanding of cooperatives while enhancing their leadership skills in a fun, engaging and challenging way.

The heart of the program includes two PowerUp sessions help in the fall and spring. These sessions are designed to help young adults learn more about the cooperative business model, electrical safety, network with peers, explore career opportunities and hear from industry and local experts on their leadership and personal growth journeys.

These two sessions will be held on school observed Native American/Columbus Day - Oct. 13, and Martin Luther King Day - Jan. 19. In the event of inclement weather, a make up session will be held on a later date.

Program days will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Scholarships may be available to students who go above and beyond and attend all required sessions as well as all-expense paid traveling opportunities. These trips include a three-day trip to Youth Excursion in Bismarck, N.D., in July 2026 and a week-long trip to Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., in June 2026. 

Opportunities awarded will be based on a point system. Students will earn points and are encouraged to attending the following:

-attending both required sessions

-attending our Member Appreciation Day in Sept.

-attending our Annual Meeting in Oct.

-attending our tailgate event during high school football season

-volunteering in their community (max of 6 hours)

Fill out the application above. Please submit all questions to powerup@westriver.coop or by calling 605-393-1500. .