Youth Tour

Youth Tour is an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for high school students whose parent or guardian is a Lake Country Power member.

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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!

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

Youth Tour Application

First and Last Name of Student
Class picture or other head & shoulders picture 
One file only.
20 MB limit.
Allowed types: gif, jpg, jpeg, png.
Service Address with Lake Country Power
Father/Guardian name
Mother/Guardian name
Note: Student must be going into grade 10 or 11 this fall.

Please be thoughtful and concise when answering the following questions.

What makes you a good candidate for the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, why do you want to attend, and what would you hope to gain from this experience? (Suggested length is 200 - 300 words). 

Youth Tour Requirements: 

1. This opportunity is only available for students whose parent/legal guardians receive electricity from Lake Country Power. The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour is a benefit of co-op membership. 

2. Must be a high school sophomore or junior during the 2025-2026 school year. 

3. Must be available to participate in the dates and full schedule of the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., which is June 15 – 19, 2026.  

4. Must be able to ride in a vehicle or bus for up to 12 hours (with breaks) in a single day. 

5. Must be able to fly in an airplane and provide a valid Minnesota driver’s license or Minnesota state-issued ID card. 

6. Must agree to be photographed while on the Youth Tour, and must grant permission for cooperative use in publications, social media, websites, media, etc. 

7. Must be available following the Youth Tour for a scheduled video-recorded interview if Lake Country Power staff make the request. Video may be presented at the annual meeting, on You Tube, social media and the co-op’s website. 

8. Applicant may be invited to attend a Lake Country Power Board Meeting in July or August to recap their Youth Tour experience and gained knowledge of electric cooperatives to our senior staff and board of directors. 

I understand that if I am selected: 

  • If an unforeseen situation happens and I am not able to fulfill my obligation to attend, I must notify Lake Country Power by March 27, 2026, so an alternate may be considered.
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Parent/Guardian Consent: 

I am aware of my high school sophomore or junior applying for the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour with Lake Country Power. I give them permission to enter this contest and to abide by each of the requirements. I also understand that if he/she wins, I will be responsible to bring them to the Twin Cities for the tour and will pick them up upon return from the tour.  Student must report to the Crowne Plaza Airport, 3 Appletree Square, Bloomington, Minnesota for a morning orientation meeting on June 15. Parents are encouraged to attend. An early afternoon flight from the MSP airport will follow. 

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Deadline: 

No later than 11:59 p.m. on February 3, 2026, when interested students must meet the application deadline. Thank you, and good luck!