Youth Tour

The Youth Tour program, coordinated by the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives, gives high school students an unforgettable opportunity to experience democracy in action. Participants travel to Washington, D.C., to meet lawmakers, visit historic landmarks, develop leadership skills, and connect with peers from across the country.

2027 Tour Dates:
June 17-23, 2027

The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour traces its origins to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's (NRECA) 1957 Annual Meeting, when then-Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson challenged electric cooperatives to send young people to Washington, D.C., "where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents." From that vision, the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour was born.

In 1958, an Iowa electric cooperative sponsored the first group of 34 students on a weeklong tour of the nation's capital. As interest grew, cooperatives across the country began sending their own delegations. By 1959, participation had expanded to 130 students, and in 1964 NRECA began coordinating activities among state delegations during a nationally recognized Youth Tour Week.

Today, the tradition continues as high school students from Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware join more than 1,500 students to participate in an unforgettable week of leadership development, education, and service.

2026 Youth Tour Group on the Capitol steps

The Youth Tour Experience

During the Youth Tour, participants:

Meet elected officials and learn about the legislative process.
Explore national monuments, museums, and historic sites.
Develop leadership and communication skills.
Connect and build friendships with students from across America.
Learn how electric cooperatives power communities and strengthen local economies.
Gain experiences that can inspire future careers in public service, business, engineering, and community leadership.