Youth Cooperative Ambassador Program (YCAP)

Youth Cooperative Ambassador Program (YCAP), an all-expense-paid leadership and educational program for 9th and 10th-grade students.

This program aims to foster positive ideas and values about cooperatives, cooperative governance, cooperative careers and the seven cooperative business principles. High school freshmen and sophomores will gain a thorough understanding of cooperatives while developing their leadership skills in a fun, interactive and challenging way through the 3rd annual Youth Cooperative Ambassador Program. This inspiring, interactive program will help students discover personal strengths, build & improve leadership skills, connect with peers & professionals, and explore career paths. The program will allow ambassadors to learn about the cooperative business model, explore career options, network with other students and professionals, enhance financial literacy, build and improve leadership skills through interactions with community and industry leaders. The program will conclude with a program banquet. 

YCAP is a five-month program that will begin January 9, 2024.

Ambassadors will network with students from all seven parishes served by DEMCO: Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, and West Feliciana. 

YCAP ambassadors are required to attend the four program days scheduled on, January 9th,  February 6th,  March 5th, and April 2nd; 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. at DEMCO Headquarters, 16262 Wax Road, Greenwell Springs, LA 70739. Ambassadors will participate in an off-site community service project. An end of the year banquet is scheduled for May 7, 2024.

Ambassadors are responsible for transportation to and from the required sessions.

To qualify for consideration as an ambassador:

  • Click the green button below.
  • Complete the application.
  • Get consent form signed by parent/guardian.
  • Submit one letter of recommendation via email to ChanonM@DEMCO.org.

The deadline to submit application materials is November 17, 2023. All applicants will be notified of the status of their application by Friday, December 8, 2023.

What are the requirements to participate?

  • Student must be a high school freshman or sophomore during the 2023-2024 school year in one of the following parishes: Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, or West Feliciana..
  • Complete the application.
  • Get consent form signed by parent/guardian.
  • Submit a letter of recommendation via email to ChanonM@DEMCO.org.
  • Have an interest in furthering their knowledge about cooperatives, DEMCO and leadership skills.

Deadline to submit application materials is November 17, 2023. All applicants will be notified of the status of their application by Friday, December 8, 2023.

YCAP ambassadors are required to attend the four program days in the spring semester, 2024,  January 9th,  February 6th,  March 5th, and April 2nd; 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. at DEMCO Headquarters, 16262 Wax Road, Greenwell Springs, LA 70739. An off-campus activity will be scheduled for community service, date will be announced, spring 2024. An end of the year banquet is scheduled for May 7, 2024.