What do 1,500 high school students, our nation’s capital, and electric cooperatives have in common? The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, of course!

Youth Tour was established with one thought: to inspire the next generation of leaders. Since 1964, more than 50,000 young Americans have taken advantage of this unique opportunity offered by their electric cooperative. And after a brief hiatus due to COVID-19, Cherryland Electric Cooperative plans to send two more students this year!

It all takes place in June when hundreds of electric co-ops across the country send participants to Washington, D.C., for a chance to learn about the cooperative business model and several days of sightseeing.

While in D.C., participants have a chance to meet with elected officials and discuss important issues back home. Without a doubt, Youth Tour has grown into an invaluable program that gives young Americans an experience that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Applications to attend Youth Tour 2023 are open now until Feb. 28! If you are a high school junior interested in traveling to Washington, D.C., to experience the trip of a lifetime, please get in touch with us for more information.

Perhaps you know of an exceptional student who would be a great candidate for the program. If you do, please share this article with them.

Youth Tour is so much more than a sightseeing trip. Students have repeatedly shared that this experience has helped them grow into successful professionals. It has also benefited our local communities. Youth Tour participants return home with a deeper understanding and skill set of what it takes to be leaders, and as a result, they put these skills to use right here in our community.

Please help us find the next generation of leaders by sharing the Youth Tour experience with a promising student. For more information about Cherryland’s Youth Tour program, click here! 

The 2023 Youth Tour will take place from June 14-18.