Greenwell Springs, Louisiana – DEMCO has proudly announced the selection of eight students to join its Youth Cooperative Ambassador Program (YCAP), an all-expenses-paid leadership and educational initiative for 9th and 10th-grade students.

“We are thrilled to welcome this group of students into the program,” said Chanon Martin, DEMCO’s Member Engagement Manager. “Their participation shows a genuine desire to grow as leaders, engage with their communities, and better understand the cooperative business model.”

The Class of 2025 YCAP student ambassadors are Daniel Watson, Madison Preparatory Academy, Hayleigh McKean, University View Academy, James Hicks, St. Michael the Archangel High School, Johanna Clifton, Glen Oaks Magnet High School, Madeline Cox, St. Michael the Archangel High School, Mary Claire Cox, St. Michael the Archangel High School, Robert Dunbar, Southern University Laboratory School and Shayla Sanders, Liberty Magnet High School.

“Our cooperative model sets us apart from municipal or investor-owned utilities,” said Randy Pierce, DEMCO CEO.

The YCAP program gives students the opportunity to explore what makes electric cooperatives unique, including their member-driven governance and not-for-profit approach. Participants gain insight into rural electrification, cooperative governance, and the seven cooperative principles: voluntary and open membership; democratic member control; members’ economic participation; autonomy and independence; education, training, and information; cooperation among cooperatives; and concern for community.

“Since 1938, DEMCO has been rooted in the communities we serve,” Pierce continued. “We were formed by our members and will always be responsive to their needs. As a cooperative, we are dedicated to empowering our members and investing in the future of our communities. Programs like YCAP are a testament to that commitment.”

Throughout the program, student ambassadors participate in workshops, seminars, and peer group activities, culminating in a community service project. These experiences foster leadership, enhance problem-solving skills, and strengthen interpersonal relationships.

YCAP is one of several educational initiatives supported by DEMCO. The cooperative also offers an annual essay contest for 11th-grade students and a scholarship program for graduating seniors.

For more information about DEMCO’s programs for students, visit DEMCO.org/Community.

Photo Caption:
DEMCO Youth Ambassadors, Class of 2025
Back row (L to R): Robert Dunbar, Daniel Watson, James Hicks, Shayla Sanders, and Johanna Clifton
Front row (L to R): Hayleigh McKean, Mary Claire Cox, and Madeline Cox

About DEMCO
DEMCO is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative serving over 117,500 meters in seven parishes: Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, and West Feliciana. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56% of the nation’s landscape.