Discover Leadership. Explore Washington, D.C. Experience the Cooperative Difference.
Each June, electric cooperatives across the nation send exceptional high school students to Washington, D.C. for a weeklong leadership adventure known as the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, coordinated by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).
In 2026, students came together from all 50 states to explore America’s capital, build lifelong friendships, and discover how they can make a difference in their communities.
What Is the Youth Tour?
Created in 1957 and sponsored nationwide by electric cooperatives, Youth Tour is a fully chaperoned educational experience that gives high school juniors an inside look at democracy in action.
Students who attend:
- Tour iconic national monuments and museums
- Visit Capitol Hill and meet their Members of Congress
- Learn how public policy impacts rural communities
- Connect with hundreds of peers from across the country
- Strengthen leadership, communication, and civic engagement skills
- Learn the impact that electric cooperatives have throughout the country
More than 50,000 students have participated in Youth Tour over the decades—many of whom have gone on to become community leaders, educators, business owners, and public servants.
Why Youth Tour Matters
A firsthand look at government
Students visit with their congressional delegation, attend educational sessions, and gain insight into how decisions in Washington influence rural America.
A deeper connection to cooperative values
Participants learn how the cooperative model—built on community, responsibility, and democratic participation—continues to shape the quality of life in their hometowns.
A network of new friends and mentors
Youth Tour brings together students from across the nation, giving participants lifelong friendships and a shared experience unlike any other.
Long-Term Opportunities
Outstanding students from each state are chosen to serve on the Youth Leadership Council, which returns to Washington, D.C. later in the year for leadership training and to represent cooperatives at national events.
Youth Tour alumni also become eligible for scholarships and recognition through the Glenn English Cooperative Leadership Foundation.
Why Electric Cooperatives Invest in Youth
Electric cooperatives were built on the idea of strengthening communities—and that begins by supporting the next generation of leaders.
Through Youth Tour, co-ops help students:
- Build confidence and leadership skills
- Learn how government decisions shape their communities
- Explore future career paths
- Gain a lifelong appreciation for civic involvement
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you’re a high school junior interested in government, history, leadership, or simply ready for an unforgettable experience, the Youth Tour may be the perfect opportunity.