What is the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour?
Every June more than 1,900 high school students from across the country spend a week in Washington, D.C., as part of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. The students are sponsored by electric cooperatives – co-ops that are committed to educating America's rural youth about America and the role electric cooperatives play in developing strong rural communities.
Participating in the Youth Tour is an awesome way to learn about this great nation, develop leadership skills, gain a better understanding of electric cooperatives, and make friendships that will last beyond the week!
Youth Tour Details
Students on the tour learn about electric cooperatives, American history and U.S. government. They attend educational seminars and visit with their representatives in the House and the Senate. They see historical sights in and around Washington-the U.S. Capitol, the monuments, the Smithsonian, Arlington Cemetery, Mt. Vernon and countless other places and they learn more about the cooperative business model.
The Rural Electric Youth Tour started in 1957.
The application process is easy! Interested high school sophomores or juniors (whose parents/guardians are Lake Country Power members) should complete an application for the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. You will find the application form on this page to complete. Email the application and a portrait of yourself (head/shoulders picture) to tzaun@lcp.coop.
This co-op sponsored educational event is valued at nearly $4,000. This includes a significant increase in airfare, hotel rooms, food, meeting space, hotel security, 24/7 nurses, transportation in Washington D.C., via coach bus, tours, and special events. Students should bring spending money for personal souvenirs.
For additional information about the Youth Tour, visit www.youthtour.org or www.mrea.org.
APPLICATION FOR YOUTH TOUR
The application deadline for 2025 is February 10. Youth Tour dates are June 16-21, 2025.
Send us an email if you would like to know more about applying for the 2025 Tour.
Students applying for the tour must be a high school sophomore or junior during the 2024-2025 school year period.
Testimonials from Minnesota students who attended the Rural Electric Youth Tour
"The best week of my entire summer." - Squad Willem
"It was a great experience! Truly one that I will never forget!" - Walker Regier
"It was extremely interesting to learn more about cooperatives and how they function in the real world. Before the trip, I wasn't aware of the genuine intent of co-ops to foster strong communities and promote open and honest business transactions." - Lukas Swenson
"The trip was so amazing. It's indescribable!" - Lucas Arndt
"The sights are almost as incredible as the people on this trip." - Thea Richards
"I never had so much fun on a trip before." - Steven Hervey
"The people are just as fun and interesting as the amazing experiences!" - Jessica Kostecki