DURANGO, Colo. – With an eye for the future, La Plata Electric Association is seeking incoming or graduating seniors from all high schools (including home-school students) in La Plata and Archuleta Counties, to participate in a paid summer internship program. Up to four interns will be selected, and will receive an hourly wage.

“We’ve found that students in our area don’t realize the full range of career opportunities that are available at an electric cooperative,” said Linda Looman, LPEA human resources director who is overseeing the program. “Over the course of the summer, we plan to introduce our interns to possible future career opportunities.”

The LPEA internship program will run from June 9 through August 1, incorporating a four day work week for the students. During their internship, students will rotate through the various LPEA departments, work with LPEA mentors and be provided with hands-on, learning opportunities.

“They won’t be sitting in a corner,” assured Looman. “The program will be flexible, and as the program progresses and we determine their skills and interests, we will nurture those in the students, perhaps focusing in specific areas as appropriate.”

The LPEA program will also be tailored to a student’s summer schedule – for example, a planned family vacation or athletic training. The intent is, according to Looman, to make it a win-win for students and the cooperative.

Applications are available on the LPEA web site, www.lpea.coop, and questions can be directed to Looman at 382.3572. Deadline for application is May 1, 2008.

LPEA, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative established in 1939, provides to its nearly 30,000 members with more than 40,000 meters, safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost, while being environmentally responsible. For additional information, visit www.lpea.coop.

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