Why do electric cooperatives send students to the nation’s capital?

Electric cooperatives are not-for-profit, independent electric utilities. But, why do they send students to the nation’s capital on Youth Tour each year? Because electric cooperatives are different! They offer more than reliable electric service, they give back to the community. It’s part of their business plan. Iowa’s electric cooperative know that it is important for students to learn about the political process and to interact with their government. Students walk away from Youth Tour as better leaders with a deeper understanding of our government and of electric cooperatives.

The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour has brought high school students to Washington, D.C., every June since the late 1950s. Students compete for slots for this unique opportunity and are selected for this program by their local electric cooperative.

The speakers during National Youth Day provide insight to the important roles electric cooperatives play in their community. Students gain a personal understanding of American history and their role as a citizen by meeting their representative and senators and explore the sights around the nation’s capital. It is not unusual to run into a former Youth Tour participant who is a congressional aide on Capitol Hill. Several of our alums work in Washington.

Over 40,000 students from rural areas and small towns across America have participated in this unique program. Some of our Youth Tour alums have gone on to design airplanes and to serve in the highest ranks of our government, including the U.S. Senate.