One of our 7 Cooperative Principles is Concern For Community. We believe the future of our community is our youth, so we put time, energy, and resources toward supporting youth programs and organizations in our community. We support opportunities for students to learn about energy, the cooperative business model, history, government, leadership, and much more.
PPEC offers multiple learning opportunities for students of all ages:
Applications: December - February
Program Date: Mid June
Every June, approximately 40 students from around the state attend The Electric Cooperatives Youth Tour. This weeklong, all-expense-paid leadership experience takes high school sophomores or juniors on a fun and unique trip to Washington, D.C., where they meet 1,600 other co-op teens from around the country. While in D.C., students learn about the unique cooperative business model, visit Capitol Hill to meet with legislative leaders, and experience the sights, sounds, and rich history of our nation’s capital.
Since 1954, Ohio’s electric cooperatives have been helping graduating seniors continue their education through the Children of Members Scholarship Program. Each cooperative awards scholarships on a local level and will select one representative to compete for additional scholarship money from the Ohio statewide association, Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives. Children of PPEC members in Indiana are eligible for this scholarship.
Local prize amounts are as follows:
- (2) $1,000 awards
- (2) – $800 awards
- (2) – $600 awards
- (1) – $600 award – At Large Category
2023 Children of Members Scholarships
Applications must be mailed to:
Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative
401 McDonald Pike
Paulding, Ohio 45879
The deadline to apply is Friday, February 10, 2023. If you have questions, please call our office at 800-686-2357.
Applications: Open in Early December
Program Date: Early June
Camp Kilowatt is a fun and unique camp experience for sixth-grade students going into seventh grade. Each year, the camp is held at Camp Tecumseh in Brookston, Indiana. Kids get the chance to learn more about energy while making new friends and enjoying fun activities and games. This dynamic three-day camp includes activities such as horseback riding, bucket truck rides, rock climbing, archery, alternative energy education, internet safety, zipline, live line safety demonstration, swimming, and much, much more.
The Energy Smart Program is a science-based study of all things energy–where it comes from, how we use it in our daily lives, and how our own behaviors can help us save both the planet and our pocketbook. Students learn all about energy science, efficiency principles, conservation practices, and electrical safety through hands-on activities.
Table-top or high-voltage demos are also available to teach students power line safety. Presentations are tailored for the class age. Visit our Safety Demonstrations page to learn more.
Call our office at 800-686-2357 for more information on Demonstrations for your group
PPEC and Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives have paired with the Ohio Energy Project to educate students in grades 3-12 on energy use through the E3 Smart program. Teachers will be provided the curriculum, laboratory equipment, and support activities to bring STEM learning to the classroom — at no cost to you or your school. E3 also uses an innovative “Kids Teaching Families” approach to bring learning home. The curriculum adheres to all state educational standards. Call us at 800-686-2357 or send an email for more information.
Applications: Due mid-June
Program Date: May - October
Embark on a learning adventure with the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo! First and second-grade classrooms can apply for a mini-grant that will help provide support for field trips or in-classroom zoomobile programs during the school year.
Eligibility: This mini-grant program, sponsored by Local Touchstone Energy Cooperatives - including PPEC, is limited to:
- Indiana schools located in the PPEC service territory. This includes East Allen County district areas.
- Ohio schools located within Antwerp Local and Wayne Trace Local district boundaries.
This opportunity is available for 1st or 2nd-grade classrooms in public or private non-profit schools. Schools/Classrooms in the eligible areas may apply for partial funding (up to $100 per classroom) for field trip assistance or for a Zoomobile program to visit their classroom during the school year.
Applications: August - September Awarded: November
The Youth Power and Hope Awards is for students in fifth through eighth grades who are active leaders or bright lights in their community and whose parents live in Indiana.
Indiana Connection and Indiana’s electric cooperatives are proud to sponsor the Youth Power and Hope Awards program. Since 2009, the program has annually honored Indiana youth in grades 5-8 for their community service. Past winners’ community projects have included raising money for Riley Hospital for Children and donating toys for its patients, collecting coats for the less fortunate and providing police officers with stuffed animals to comfort children in crisis situations. Could a community-minded young person you know be one of our next winners? Encourage him/her to apply!
Applications: Open November
Program Date: Mid January
Page Day with the Indiana Senate gives students an opportunity to learn about their state government and how bills become laws. Highlights include a Statehouse tour, mock bill activity, speakers, and other educational activities. It is considered an excused absence; a school excuse letter will be provided.
