Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Co-Op, who named Keith Hengl the winner of PSREC’s Youth Tour Scholarship at the beginning of the summer, this week congratulated the Lassen High student after he was chosen for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s prestigious Youth Leadership Council.
Washington D.C. Youth Tour Experience
Hengl won a weeklong, all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. in June. He joined approximately 1,500 other high school students selected from across the nation to explore our nation’s capital. His tour included learning about how the government works, visiting the Smithsonian Institute, Arlington Cemetery and much more.
He said, “my favorite part of the Youth Tour was getting to see the inside of the capitol dome and all the important monuments.”
Recognition on the Youth Leadership Council
Not only did Keith win the scholarship, but he also secured a spot on the NRECA’s Youth Leadership Council, representing California. This exclusive 45-person delegation consists of one delegate from each state with an electric cooperative or public power district.
The YLC participates in a specially designed educational curriculum. This program is intended to help the delegates grow by building leadership and public speaking skills. Furthermore, the curriculum is designed to enhance their knowledge of both the energy industry and the cooperative business model.
Hengl returned to D.C. for a weeklong training called “Basecamp” in July and will continue to represent California there.
Future Travel and Opportunities
Hengl will travel to Nashville in March of 2026 to attend NRECA’s PowerXchange and TechAdvantage conference. During the PowerXchange event, delegates are recognized on stage for their year of service, and one delegate is chosen to serve as the national spokesperson and address cooperative leaders during a general session.
About the Washington Youth Tour Scholarship
The Washington Youth Tour scholarship is open every fall to area high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are either PSREC members or PST customers.
If you have any questions about the scholarship, please call the Member Services Department at 1.530.832.6032.
