There's still time for local students to apply for a chance to experience Washington, D.C., develop leadership skills and connect with students from electric cooperatives across the country through the 2027 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour.
This year, there are more ways than ever to participate.
New this year, A&N Electric Cooperative's Youth Tour contest is open to both highs school juniors and seniors, including homeschool students. Students also have the option to submit a video essay instead of a written essay, giving them a new way to share their ideas and creativity.
The contest is open to qualified students who live within A&N Electric Cooperative's service territory. Each local high school is eligible for one Youth tour spot, and the student selected from each participating school will have the opportunity to attend the 2027 Youth Tour, scheduled from June 17-23.
This year's contest topic is “How electric cooperatives strengthen communities.” Students can respond to the topic through a traditional written essay or take advantage of the new video submission option to share their thoughts on camera.
Students choosing the essay option must submit a typed essay of at least 150 words. Regardless of the format they choose, applicants are encouraged to think creatively about the role electric cooperatives play in the communities they serve.
Students can visit this webpage to submit their application along with their essay or video.
The deadline to apply is Friday, Oct. 16, 2026.
More than 2,000 students from across the country participate in Youth Tour each year. Sponsored by electric cooperatives nationwide, the program gives students an opportunity to explore American history and government while learning more about the cooperative model and the communities electric cooperatives serve.
During the week in Washington D.C., students typically visit Capitol Hill and historic and cultural landmarks throughout the nation’s capital. Recent Youth Tour activities have included visits to the National Mall, museums, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon and the Pentagon. Students have also enjoyed an evening cruise on the Potomac River, a theatrical performance at the Kennedy Center and a visit to a local electric cooperative.
The schedule varies from year to year based on site availability, but one thing remains consistent: Youth Tour provides students with an experience they are unlikely to forget.
Arcadia's Jacob Simpson, Chincoteague's Jakai Simon, Nandua's Jerimiah Wharton, and Northampton's Eli Philpot represented the cooperative during the 2026 Youth Tour.
Who Can Apply?
The 2027 Youth Tour contest is open to students who:
- Are current high school juniors and seniors, including homeschool students
- Live full-time within A&N Electric Cooperative’s service territory
- Complete and submit the Youth Tour Application and Essay/Video contest materials by Oct. 16, 2026.
Students interested in participating should visit this webpage.