Beltrami Electric Cooperative is proud to announce Jacobi Burmeister Pater as its 2026 delegate for the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.

Jacobi, a junior at Bemidji High School, earned the opportunity after submitting a thoughtful essay explaining what makes electric cooperatives unique and how Beltrami Electric stands apart from other utilities. Jacobi is actively involved in leadership and service at school. She serves as a student representative on the Bemidji School Board, volunteers through the National Honor Society, and has a strong interest in political science. She is the daughter of McKenzi Burmeister and Brett Pater of Bemidji.

From June 15–20, 2026, Jacobi will travel with Youth Tour participants from other Minnesota electric cooperatives for the once-in-a-lifetime Youth Tour experience in Washington, D.C. During the weeklong trip, students on the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour will participate in leadership training, engage in one-on-one conversations with elected officials, jumpstart their national peer network and tour Washington, D.C.

“The Youth Tour is an incredible opportunity for students to see our nation’s capital firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of how government decisions affect our rural communities,” said Angela Lyseng, Youth Tour coordinator for Beltrami Electric. “We’re proud to have Jacobi represent our cooperative and excited to see the impact this experience will have on her future.”

Beltrami Electric has proudly sponsored a local high school student for the Youth Tour since 1993. The national program was created in the late 1950s by electric cooperatives to help young people learn more about leadership, civic engagement, and the role cooperatives play in delivering reliable, affordable electricity to rural America.

With energy policy and infrastructure playing an increasingly important role in the nation’s future, the Youth Tour helps inspire the next generation of informed leaders and cooperative advocates.

Congratulations, Jacobi! We can't wait to hear about your Youth Tour experience when you return from Washington, D.C.