Each year, East-Central Iowa REC sponsors local students to attend the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. This unique experience gives students the opportunity to learn about government, leadership, and the cooperative difference while connecting with peers from across the country.

This year, we’re proud to be represented by twins Nora and Jenna Grovert of Vinton-Shellsburg High School.

Nora is actively involved in school and community activities, including archery, soccer, FFA, 4-H, and her church youth group. She is especially interested in how legislation impacts rural energy and is eager to better understand how electricity is supplied and managed across the country.

Jenna is also highly involved in her school and community, participating in archery, soccer, FFA, 4-H, and dance. She is passionate about learning how electric cooperatives serve rural communities and is interested in exploring solutions to meet the growing demand for affordable energy in the future.

Together, Nora and Jenna are looking forward to traveling to Washington, D.C., experiencing the nation’s capital, and learning more about leadership, public service, and the future of energy.

The 2026 Youth Tour will take place in June. We look forward to sharing more about their experience in a future issue of the Heartland Link.