Youth Corner
At Mid Century, our commitment to our communities begins with our young people.
We have historically been very involved with our youth and schools, from ensuring access to the technology needed today to providing opportunities such as Youth Day, Youth to Washington, D.C. and two College Scholarship Programs.
College Scholarships
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Since 2007 Mid Century has been awarding up to four (4), one-time, $1,000.00 College Scholarships to area youth whose home telephone service is supplied by Mid Century.
In addition to the MCTC Scholarship we have partnered with the Foundation for Rural Services (FRS) since 2003 in offering an opportunity for students to receive a one-time $2,500.00 Scholarship. Competition is much greater, since this scholarship incorporates students from other states within our region. We encourage eligible students to apply for both scholarships. Special consideration is given to students whom express interest in returning to the rural area following graduation.
Both scholarships are open to high school seniors or equivalent, who have been accepted by an accredited two/four year college/university or vocational/technical school. The applicant must reside in a household with telephone service supplied by Mid Century and have an active membership.
Both scholarship applications are sent annually in November to area schools and are available for download by clicking the link below. Although the FRS scholarship deadline is noted on the application, it must be in our Mid Century office one week prior for proper signature and member certification.
Mid Century 2023 College Scholarship Application (closed)
Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) College Scholarship Application (closed)
Youth Day
Mid Century is proud to be part of this annual event held in Springfield, IL. For over 50 years, the electric and telephone cooperatives of Illinois have given tomorrow’s leaders the opportunity to learn from today’s public officials. Each year, nearly 300 outstanding students get an up close and first hand look at democracy in action when they meet their elected representatives during the annual Illinois Electric and Telephone Cooperatives Youth Day Event. Mid Century sponsors up to two (2) students from each area high school serving our members. There is no cost to the student or the school and all meals are provided. At the conclusion of the day, two (2) students from our group are selected to represent Mid Century in Washington, D.C. for the annual “Youth to Washington, D.C. Tour”. Both programs are wonderful educational experiences for our youth.
Youth to Washington, D.C. Tour
Held annually in June, Mid Century sponsors two area students on the “Youth to Washington, D.C. Tour”. This is a week long trip to our nation’s capital full of fun, fellowship, and educational opportunities. Over 1,500 youth from across the nation meet on on this tour to visit historical sites, meet with national legislators, and learn more about the importance of cooperatives. Students are selected from the Youth Day contingency and there is no cost to the student other than mementos and souvenirs. Other students from the group have the option to go on the trip as a “Willie” but need to cover the cost themselves.
The tour is designed to provide an opportunity for outstanding, rural, young people to better understand the value of cooperatives in rural areas. It familiarizes students with the historic and political environment of our nation’s capital through first-hand looks at monuments, government buildings, and cooperative organizations.
The visits with elected officials give the students a better understanding of federal government, the political process, and democracy in general. But perhaps most significantly, the tour gives Mid Century an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of outstanding young people from rural communities.