Events > National Rural Electric Youth Tour

National Rural Electric Youth Tour

How Will You Make Your Mark? – A Washington, D.C. Trip of a Lifetime

Each year, rural electric cooperatives across the nation sponsor roughly 1,800 students on the National Rural Electric Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. The Youth Tour program continues to foster the grassroots spirit of the rural electric cooperatives by demonstrating to high school juniors and seniors how our government works and what the electric cooperative business model is all about.

Stearns Electric Association sends one current high school junior or senior on an all-expense paid trip to the National Rural Electric Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. every year. The selected student will visit with congressional representatives, tour some of the most famous museums and monuments in the world and make memories and friends that will last a lifetime. Learn how to apply below.

CONTEST PURPOSE:
To select one student to represent Stearns Electric Association at the National Rural Electric Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.

ELIGIBILITY:
The contest is open to any current high school junior or senior whose family is a member of the Cooperative.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Complete the 2026 Youth Tour Application
• Write and submit a 300-word essay on the benefits of the Cooperative business model.
• Submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher or advisor.
• The top finalists will be interviewed by a judging committee.

AWARDS:

• First Place – All-expense paid Washington, D.C. Youth Tour.
• Second Place – First Alternate and $150.
• Third Place – Second Alternate and $100.
• First 15 applicants receive a $20 gift card.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Tour Dates: June 15-20, 2026
• The application period is currently open through January 16, 2026.
• Applications for 2026 will be available in November 2025.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE YOUTH TOUR:

2026 Youth Tour Application
2026 Youth Tour Poster
Youth Tour Sample Itinerary