Community Electric Cooperative is now accepting applications for the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., June 19 to 23 2023.
Picture this: a free trip to Washington, D.C., meeting nearly 2,000 other students from all over the U.S., a tour of Capitol Hill, meeting congressional representatives, and so much more! All of this is available to three select high school students. All applicants must have their primary residence in CEC’s service territory and must also be a current public, private or home-school sophomore or junior in high school.
What is Youth Tour?
Youth Tour was inspired by Sen. Lyndon Baines Johnson when he addressed the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Annual Meeting in 1957. The senator and future president declared, “If one thing goes out of this meeting, it will be sending youngsters to the national capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents.” NRECA organized its first Youth Tour in 1964, and approximately 400 high school students from 12 states participated. Since then, thousands of high school students from electric co-ops in 47 states have gathered on Capitol Hill.
The 2023 Tour
After the Youth Tour Committee reviews applications, CEC will reach out to students who have an interest in history and government, and who demonstrate strong leadership qualities and community involvement. These students, along with more than 1,900 students nationwide, will meet congressional representatives, tour museums, historic sites and memorials, and enjoy special events and entertainment. Students may also apply for NRECA’s Youth Leadership Council. Candidates will be interviewed on the first day of Youth Tour. YLC selects one student representative from each state. Those students will be recognized during the tour on Youth Day and later will attend the 2024 NRECA Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas.
How to Apply
Completed applications must be dropped off at the CEC office, faxed, emailed or postmarked by 5 p.m. January 31, 2023. Applications and letters of recommendation should be mailed to:
CEC, Attn: Jessica Parr PO Box 267 Windsor, VA 23487