Embracing the cooperative principles of concern for community and the
responsibility to educate and inform, the Iowa Youth Tour program seeks
to create advocates for the cooperative business model while also giving
deserving students an up-close look at U.S. government and American history. 
The Iowa Association of Electric Cooperative’s organizes and manages Iowa’s involvement in National Rural Electric Cooperative's annual Youth Tour
every June. Participating co-ops select and sponsor high school students with a
passion for leadership and government who represent their co-op during the week-long
trip to Washington, D.C. On the tour, students learn about electric
cooperatives, American history and U.S. government and walk away with a greater
understanding of their role as an American citizen. They participate in Youth
Day, visit with their representatives and senators, and explore the sights
around the nation’s capital. In Iowa, students apply for slots from their local
electric cooperative. Each year, approximately 35 students from Iowa join with
1,700 students from the nation for Youth Tour. Students are selected based on
their local cooperative’s criteria. 
Unique to Iowa Youth Tour students and alumni often engage in the
political process through Iowa Rural Power's advocacy effort (http://www.iaruralpower.org/). On the
2015-2016 presidential campaign trail, many former Youth Tour students wore
their green Rural Power t-shirts at campaign events, asking candidates about
their plans to ensure affordable, reliable electricity in the years ahead.
Many Youth Tour students come back from Youth
Tour energized about public service and government. Several of these students
serve as pages and clerks in the Iowa legislature, while others go on to become
politically involved on their college campuses. We take pride knowing that
we’re educating a new generation about the benefits and advantages of the
cooperative business model, no matter where their professional careers take
them.One month from today we will be wheels up for Youth Tour 2016! Check this blog to keep up on everything going on with Iowa Youth Tour.
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