What is the Rural Electric Cooperatives' Youth Tour to Washington DC?
Every June, as many as 1,500 high school students from across the country spend a week in the nation's capital as part of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. The students are sponsored by their local electric cooperatives – cooperatives 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!
2023 Youth Tour Contest Rules:
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The student must be a junior or senior in high school in the fall of 2023. (Currently a sophomore or junior).
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Student cannot be a prior winner of the youth tour.
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The student and/or parent or guardian must be served by Sun River Electric Cooperative, Inc.
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The student must write an essay on the following topic: "If you could witness one historical moment firsthand, what would it be and why?"
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The essay must include a cover page with the student’s name, address, telephone number, and the name of their rural electric cooperative, and a copy of the youth tour application that can be found on the link below.
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Submit the essay to Sun River Electric Cooperative by December 2, 2022.
Essay Contest Form and Information
Dates for the youth tour are June 17-23, 2023, with a mandatory orientation in Great Falls on June 16, 2023.
There may be COVID-19 guidelines. We will post updates as they become available.
If you have any questions, call Leanne at SREC, 406-467-2526.
Past Winners:
2022 - Avery Schubarth & Shea Ostberg
2021 - Madeline Konen & Ella Stott (Scholarship)
2020 - Kate Stephens (MECA Winner) & Justin Forseth (Scholarship)
2019 - Nicholas Konen
2018 - Berit Bedord (MECA Winner) & Tierra Chapdelaine
2017 - Sabelle Erickson
2016 - Watson Snyder
2015 - Garrett Depner
2014 - Abigail Konen
2013 - Morgan Woods (MECA Winner) & Konnor Bjelland