Greenwell Springs, Louisiana – DEMCO announced the selection of twelve students to participate in its Youth Cooperative Ambassador Program, an all-expenses-paid leadership and educational program for ninth and tenth-grade students.
The Class of 2024 YCAP student ambassadors are Adam Bradford, West Feliciana High School, Amber Burton, Albany High School, Danielle Boers, Zachary High School, Darnell Sylve, Central High School, Dylan Phagans, Northeast High School, Grace Ely, Live Oak High School, Haydon Johnson, Central High School, Jayme Neuschafer, Maurepas High School, J’niya Graham, Liberty High School, Laci Dudley, Live Oak High School, Laurel Schlatre, Central High School, and Trace Macias, Episcopal High School.
On January 9, DEMCO CEO and General Manager Randy Pierce welcomed the students to DEMCO headquarters and introduced them to the cooperative business model.
“Electric cooperatives stand apart from municipal or investor-owned utilities due to our distinctive business structure,” said Pierce. “We take pride in being owned and governed by the members we serve, and we are committed to a not-for-profit approach to our rates and services.”
The YCAP program is one of many supported by DEMCO that demonstrate the co-op's dedication to the community and commitment to educational programs for area youth.
DEMCO student ambassadors learn about the cooperative business model, explore career options, network with other students and professionals, enhance financial literacy, and build and improve leadership skills through interactions with community and industry leaders.
The program concludes with the students working on a community service project.
DEMCO’s Chanon Martin, community relations specialist, notes that “workshops, seminars, peer group activities, and a community service project help enhance leadership, problem-solving skills, and interpersonal relationships.”
DEMCO also offers an annual essay contest for 11th-grade students and a scholarship program for 12th-grade students. Learn more at DEMCO.org/Community.
DEMCO powers 116,500+ meters in a seven-parish service area of Southeast Louisiana:
Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, and West Feliciana.
