The Electric Cooperative Youth traces its origins to NRECA’s 1957 Annual Meeting, when then-Sen. Lyndon Baines Johnson said in his address to the association, “If one thing comes out of this meeting, it will be sending youngsters to the national capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents.”
Thus, NRECA’s Electric Cooperative Youth Tour was born!
In the following years, some Texas cooperatives sent groups of young people to Washington to work during the summer in Johnson’s office. In 1958, a co-op in Iowa sponsored the first group of 34 young people on a weeklong tour of our nation’s capital. Later that same year, another busload came to Washington from Illinois. The idea grew, and other states sent busloads of young people throughout the summer. By 1959, the “Youth Tour” had grown to 130 students.
In 1964, NRECA began coordinating joint activities among the state delegations and suggested that co-op representatives from each state arrange to be in Washington, D.C., during Youth Tour Week. The first year of the coordinated Youth Tour included approximately 400 young people from 12 states. Word of the program has continued to spread, and today more than 1,500 students and over 250 chaperones participate every year.
How it happens
Youth Tour directors from each state association arrange their delegation’s visits to their U.S. representatives’ and senators’ offices, federal agencies and other educational and sightseeing activities. In addition to the planned statewide activities, NRECA coordinates several multistate activities focusing on leadership development and electric co-op advocacy, including Youth Day. During the program, delegates meet each other and hear featured speakers who provide insight into electric cooperatives’ important roles in their communities.
Students apply and are selected for the Youth Tour by their local electric cooperative to allow them to gain a personal understanding of American history and their role as citizens.
Nearly 100,000 students from rural areas and small towns across America have participated in this program. Some of our Youth Tour alumni have gone on to design airplanes, lead companies and serve in the highest ranks of our government, including the U.S. Senate. Don’t be surprised if you run into a former Youth Tour participant who is a congressional aide on Capitol Hill. While several of our alumni work in Washington, you will find even more alumni in your community.
Contact your local electric cooperative for more information on applying for the program.
Program dates
Please know that dates vary by state. Contact your local electric cooperative for exact program dates.
- June 14-23, 2025 | Gaylord National Harbor, National Harbor, Maryland
- June 14-21, 2026 | Gaylord National Harbor, National Harbor, Maryland
- June 17-23, 2027 | Gaylord National Harbor, National Harbor, Maryland
- June 25-July 1, 2028 | Gaylord National Harbor, National Harbor, Maryland
- June 14-20, 2029 | Gaylord National Harbor, National Harbor, Maryland
- June 27-July 3, 2030 | Gaylord National Harbor, National Harbor, Maryland
General FAQs
Q: What is the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour?
A: The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour is a long-standing educational program that brings nearly 1,500 high school students from 44 states to Washington, D.C., every summer.
Q: Who organizes and sponsors the Youth Tour?
A: The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour is organized by NRECA and statewide associations representing local electric cooperatives. Delegates are sponsored by local electric cooperatives, making the trip free for participating delegates.
Q: Who accompanies the students during the trip?
A: Students travel with peers from their state and are chaperoned by statewide staff and employees from local electric cooperatives. NRECA staff is on-site throughout the trip to ensure the program runs smoothly and safely.
Q: What historical sites and institutions will delegates visit?
A: Itineraries vary by state, but attendees can expect to experience history firsthand by visiting iconic monuments, the Smithsonian museums and the U.S. Capitol. During Hill Day, participants will have the opportunity to meet with their representatives and senators.
Q: What is expected regarding physical activity?
A: The program involves a significant amount of walking. Some days, delegates will be expected to walk over five miles. Participants are advised to wear comfortable, well-worn shoes and to disclose any physical limitations in their health forms.
Q: What weather should participants expect in Washington, D.C., during June?
A: Weather in Washington D.C., during June can be unpredictable. It may be hot and humid, and rain is always a possibility.
Q: What is the recommended dress code?
A: Dress codes vary by state, so delegates should consult with their state’s Youth Programs director before packing. Generally, dress is casual, but delegates must remain respectful of the institutions and memorials. Participants should consult their state’s itinerary for specific dress code details for particular events.
Q: What measures are in place to ensure the safety of the participants?
A: During their daily programming, delegates are supervised by chaperones and statewide staff. For delegations staying at NRECA hotels, an 11 p.m. curfew is enforced, and security personnel arrive at 10:30 p.m. to patrol each floor. NRECA staff are present at the hotel for the entire duration of the program.
Q: Who provides medical care during the tour?
A: NRECA contracts a team of full-time nurses who have years of experience in emergency, trauma and critical care. They are available 24 hours a day throughout the week for any delegate attending.
Q: What steps will be taken in the event of an emergency?
A: In the event of an emergency in Washington, D.C., updated information will be promptly posted on this website and on our members-only website (www.cooperative.com). These updates will ensure that all participants and cooperative employees receive accurate and timely information. Also, pay close attention to channels established with each state’s Youth Tour director.
Q: How should participants manage their medications and health documentation?
A: Please indicate all required medications on the health form provided by NRECA, your sponsoring co-op and your state. All prescription medications should be brought in their original labeled containers. As a precaution, it is advisable to bring a copy of your health care and prescription cards.
Q: Who should be contacted for further information or specific inquiries regarding the program?
A: For any further questions or clarifications, participants and their families are encouraged to contact their state tour director or refer to the specific guidelines provided on the attendee website. For more information, you can email YouthPrograms@NRECA.coop.
General program rules
Additional rules and guidelines will vary by state. Please review those guidelines as provided by your local cooperative and statewide association.
During their time in Washington D.C., delegates must understand that they represent their cooperative, community, state and NRECA. Participating in the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour is a privilege, and the following rules are in effect from their departure until their arrival back home at the end of the program. This list is not comprehensive as statewide associations and local co-ops may enact additional rules.
Standard Rules:
- Delegates of different genders are never allowed to be alone in each other’s rooms.
- Alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine, are strictly prohibited.
- Use of illegal drugs, as prohibited by federal law, is strictly prohibited.
- No smoking, tobacco use or vaping is permitted on the tour.
- The use or possession of firearms or weapons of any kind is prohibited.
- Delegates will cooperate with their tour director, chaperones and NRECA staff at all times.
- Non-Youth Tour participants are forbidden from participating in Electric Cooperative Youth Tour events without prior consent from their state’s Youth Tour director.
- Delegates may not leave the hotel or the tour group unless accompanied by a chaperone.
Infractions of any of these rules may result in the delegate’s immediate dismissal from the program. In the event of such a dismissal, the delegate’s parents or guardians will be notified and the delegate will be sent home at his or her own expense, and no payments will be refunded.
Compliance With Laws
Delegates are expected to comply with all local, state and federal laws. Criminal or illegal activities are forbidden and punishable by law.
Daily Participation
You will be required to participate in all planned activities of the entire Youth Tour and may not be excused from such participation except for good and sufficient reason with approval from your state’s Youth Tour director.
Evening Curfew
Delegates are required to be in their assigned rooms by 11 p.m. each night unless otherwise directed by their state’s Youth Tour director. Chaperones, including NRECA staff, will check to ensure that all delegates are in their rooms.
NRECA contracts with a private security firm that employs current and former law enforcement personnel to watch the halls during the evening curfew.
Hotel Conduct
Delegates are expected to behave maturely in the hotel. They should conduct themselves appropriately at all times by keeping down noise levels, allowing others to pass in halls, not blocking the lobby areas and not crowding the elevators. Participants will be held financially responsible for any damage to their rooms. The use of the hotel’s pool and gym are strictly prohibited.