Once a year, Flint Energies selects four outstanding high school students to represent the co-op as delegates on the Washington Youth Tour—an all-expenses-paid, week-long leadership experience in Washington, D.C. 🌟

Delegates travel alongside hundreds of students from across Georgia and 44 states, getting a fast-paced, behind-the-scenes look at our nation’s capital while building leadership skills, confidence, and lifelong connections. The program is sponsored nationally by National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and statewide by Georgia Electric Membership Corporation.

What’s included

• ✈️ Flights, hotel, transportation & meals — 100% covered

• 🏛️ A jam-packed leadership tour of Washington, D.C.

• 🎓 A $2,500 college scholarship from the Flint Energies Foundation (awarded at graduation*)

• Current high school juniors (must be 16 by June 12, 2026)

• Live in or attend school in Flint Energies’ service area (including homeschool students)

• Have parent/guardian permission

• Commit to attending the full tour if selected

2026 Washington Youth Tour Dates: June 12–19, 2026

1. Apply online (short answers + commitment)

2. Quiz & study packet (February 10, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. — Warner Robins or Reynolds)

3. Top 10 applicants advance to interviews

4. Four delegates + one alternate are selected

• Application Deadline: January 23, 2026 (11:59 p.m. EST)

👉 Washington Youth Tour Application: https://flintenergies.com/WYT

If you know a student leader who’s ready to step out of their comfort zone, grow their leadership skills, and experience our nation’s capital in a once-in-a-lifetime way—encourage them to apply!

In this episode of Front Porch Chats, we look back on the Flint Energies Foundation’s 2025 Year in Review. This past year, more than $1.3 million in Operation Round Up® funds supported 147 organizations across 17 counties in Flint Energies' service territory, impacting education, public safety, nonprofits, and workforce development throughout Central and Southwest Georgia.

Sign up for Operation Round Up® or ORU Plus online in just a few minutes.

If you are an organization in need of a Foundation Grant, please go to our application page.

Credits:

Intro and outro song "Runnin' On Sunshine"

Performed by: Reveille

Written by: Brendan St. Gelais (BMI 100%)

Published by: Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI 100%)

In this episode of Front Porch Chats, host Natalie Bradley is joined by a few Flint Energies’ leaders, Jeremy Nelms (President/CEO), Marian McLemore (VP of Cooperative Communications), Rogie Roberson (VP of Member Solutions), and Blair Brown (Youth & Education Specialist). They discuss what makes electric membership cooperatives (EMCs) truly unique, focusing on the seven cooperative principles. Titled “The Cooperative Difference: Powering Community First,” this conversation goes beyond electricity—it’s about people, purpose, and partnerships.

Listeners will learn how co-ops like Flint Energies are member-owned, not-for-profit utilities that prioritize people over profits. From capital credit refunds to investments in infrastructure—like Flint’s new service center paid for without raising member bills—Flint’s commitment to affordability and reliability is evident.

The conversation also highlights Flint’s impact in the community: youth leadership programs, scholarships and teacher grants, education programs in local schools, economic development through rural murals and grants, and mutual aid during storms. The team shares powerful stories—like how employee-funded initiatives such as Linemen for Little Ones bring joy to families in need, and how former student participants in programs like the Washington Youth Tour credit the experience for changing their life path.

This episode is a must-listen for Flint members (and future members!) who want to better understand how co-ops are built to serve—and how you can get involved.

You’re not just a customer—you’re a member, an owner, and a part of a community-first mission. That’s the cooperative difference.

Important Links Referenced in this Episode:

• Learn more about our Rural Murals, Scholarships, Operation Round Up®, and Bright Ideas Teacher Grant.

• • Scholarship applications and educational grants.
  • Sign up to participate in Operation Round Up®

• • Apply for a Rural Murals Grant.

  • Flint career opportunities and Follow Flint Energies on Facebook, Follow Flint on Instagram, Follow Flint on LinkedIn.

    
    

  Credits:

  Intro and outro song "Runnin' On Sunshine"

  Performed by: Reveille

  Written by: Brendan St. Gelais (BMI 100%)

  Published by: Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI 100%)

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  #flintenergies #emc #georgiaemc #georgiacooperative