La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) is offering two exciting opportunities for local students this winter.
Applications are now open for the 2026 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., and college and vocational scholarship applications opened on December 1.
Both programs reflect LPEA’s commitment to investing in youth leadership and supporting the region’s future workforce.
2026 Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.
LPEA invites local high school juniors to apply for the 2026 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, taking place June 15-21, 2026. This all-expenses-paid leadership experience brings together high school students from across the nation for a week of education, connection and adventure. Participants engage with student leaders, meet elected officials, and gain an inside look at how government and electric cooperatives work together to power communities.
Applications for LPEA’s Youth Tour are open now at lpea.coop/lpea-youth-tour. Four students will be selected to represent LPEA — one each from Durango, Bayfield, Pagosa Springs and Ignacio. Applicants must live and attend school in LPEA’s service territory, which includes La Plata and Archuleta counties.
Students interested in applying should submit their applications by January 2, 2026. A selection committee will review all submissions, and winners will be notified in February.
Questions can be directed to youthtour@lpea.coop or (970) 247- 5786.
College and vocational scholarship applications
Beginning Dec. 1, LPEA also opened applications for college and vocational scholarships, available to students planning to attend universities, community colleges or line- worker programs.
Scholarship opportunities include $28,000 for students pursuing four-year degrees, $10,000 for those attending two-year vocational or technical programs, and $12,000 for students enrolling in accredited electrical lineworker training.
Details and application links are available at lpea.coop/scholarships.
The application deadline for all scholarships is March 1, 2026.
Each year, LPEA supports students across Archuleta and La Plata counties through scholarships, energy education, and hands-on learning opportunities. This commitment reflects LPEA’s mission to power a strong, resilient future and support the next generation of community leaders.