The Lignite Energy Council, North Dakota Petroleum Council, and North Dakota Farm Bureau are working together to form a youth advisory council. The groups have partnered in an effort to hear what students have to say about agriculture and energy industries which provide so much value to North Dakota.
In July, 15 students (grades 6 through 11) were picked to be a part of the inaugural council. The students had to show an interest and prove their commitment, leadership, and the ability to communicate through an online survey.
The student commitment is seven months (September – April) consisting of approximately three webinars and opportunities to tour coal mines, petroleum operations, farms, and ranches as well as the annual Lignite Energy Council meeting in April.
“In this first year, the 15 students will not only get to participate in shaping the future of energy and agriculture but also help form the foundation for future youth advisory councils for years to come,” said Jason Bohrer, president and CEO of the Lignite Energy Council.
The advisory council meetings will be facilitated by Kent Ellis, a long-time energy educator in North Dakota. He oversees a program that annually helps educate 4,000 to 8,000 North Dakota students about career opportunities in coal as well as oil and gas exploration and production.
Participation on the youth advisory council will give students the opportunity to learn how to advocate and lead on a statewide level in order to impact our state’s future in a positive way.
Of the 15 students chosen, nine were girls and six were boys. Also, 5 were from eastern North Dakota and 10 from western North Dakota. The average year of school for the 15 was a freshman.
Most of the meetings will be held as online conferences that are accessible by personal computers or smart devices.
“For the past several years, we helped with a similar activity in Oliver, Mercer and McLean Counties,” Bohrer added. “ However, when the Coal Country Leadership Academy started to fade, we put our energy into the youth advisory council which we see as a similar yet different way to involve youth in the future of our state’s economy.”