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Outreach efforts keep co-op young at heart
YEC's next generation
York Electric Cooperative reaches out to younger members and members-to-be in a variety of ways:
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| Thousands of local students have received hands-on lessons in electrical safety from co-op line techs and servicemen. Recent presentations reached 165 fourth graders at Fort Mill's Springfield Elementary School, top, and 120 more at York's Hunter Street Elementary School. |
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| A future line tech in "training" at the Fall Family Festival. |
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| At the co-op's annual meeting, wildlife educator Jim Edwards gives kids even more hands-on fun. |
Safety & conservation demonstrations – Each year, the co-op sends lineworkers, servicemen and other employees to present safety and conservation demonstrations in local schools.
Green Power Solar School – Springfield Middle in Fort Mill recently became a Green Power Solar School in partnership with York Electric Cooperative and its chief power supplier, the state-owned utility Santee Cooper. The program encourages student interest in renewable energy resources.
Earth Day, other events – The co-op sponsors and participates in the Earth Day celebration held each year at the Dairy Barn in Fort Mill. It's a time to share information on co-op programs such as Green Power. This year's event is set for April 18. At other events, like the Employee Fall Family Festival, left, co-op line techs show youngsters the ropes — or wires, if you will — of line work.
Scholarships – York Electric Cooperative awards a $1,000 scholarship, the Touchstone Energy Senior Scholarship, to a high school senior each May. The student must have average or above average grades and submit an essay. This year's application deadline is May 15. The co-op also awards a $500 School-to-Work Scholarship to an outstanding senior who has participated in the Floyd D. Johnson Technology Center's School-to-Work program. Access yorkelectric.net for details.
Energy Star Kids – The co-op's Web site features an interactive learning tool, the Kids Korner, for young co-op members-to-be as well as their teachers. They can explore electricity facts, energy efficiency and electrical safety with fun activities.
Annual Meeting fun – The co-op's Annual Meeting offers numerous activities for members' children. At this year's meeting May 9, four bicycles will once again be given away to kids 12 years and younger — two for girls and two for boys. The popular inflatable slide and obstacle course return, as well as wildlife educator Jim Edwards and his kid-friendly critters. Leslie Hatchell, York County's recycling educator and coordinator, will have a new hands-on recycling game.
Community service – Operation Round Up assists many families and children in need. So do co-op employees who support volunteer efforts, such as a November 1 visit to the Children's Attention Home. That Saturday, more than 50 co-op employees donated a total of 255 hours of their own time, helping with grounds maintenance, constructing a storage building and revamping drainage pipes. They also enjoyed a luncheon and games with the kids and reached into their own pockets to donate funds to the home.
Related Links:
Younger workers give co-op a bright future »
'Inside' co-op, young employees aiming high »
Co-op connecting with younger members »
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![Thousands of local students have received hands-on lessons in electrical safety from co-op line techs and servicemen. Recent presentations reached 165 fourth graders at Fort Mill's Springfield Elementary School, top, and 120 more at York's Hunter Street Elementary School.]](../../../images/news/news_03_09_outreach_01.jpg)
