For over 60 years, the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives has been sending high school students to our nation’s capital for the NRECA Youth Tour. Each summer, nearly 40 Iowa high school students attend, including students selected by ECI REC.

“Youth Tour is the highlight of the summer for many students from Iowa, and we’re proud to send one of our outstanding individuals to Washington, D.C., this year to participate,” said East-Central Iowa REC CEO Teresa Floyd. “These students will gain a firsthand understanding of the legislative process, visit the museums and monuments of D.C., learn about advocating on behalf of their communities, and make connections that will last a lifetime. Our youth are our future, and we can give them the tools they need to succeed in advocacy, government, and public service. We look forward to this year’s trip and continuing to be a sponsor of the Youth Tour tradition in the years to come.”

The 2025 Youth Tour will take place June 15–21. In addition to touring, the students will participate in leadership training, engage in one-on-one conversations with elected officials, jump-start their national peer network, and learn more about electric cooperatives. Participants hail from all corners of the state. This year, ECI REC will be represented by Ranger Reed.

Ranger is a junior at Independence High School and is the son of Todd and Cherilyn Reed. He is a member of the Independence Bass Club and has served as both vice president and president. Ranger has also served on the student council and is involved in choir, archery, and the yearbook. He is a recipient of the Schrage Award, which is about living the Mustang Way by showing respect, responsibility, kindness, and gratitude. Ranger is also a representative on the School Improvement Advisory Committee. He is a big history and government enthusiast and is very anxious to learn more about Washington, D.C., and how our government works.

Iowa’s electric cooperatives have sponsored high school students on this trip since 1958. Students apply and are selected for this program by their local electric cooperatives. Over 50,000 students have participated in the national Youth Tour program since its creation. For more information, visit youthtour.coop.