For over 50 years, Iowa's electric cooperatives have sponsored high school students from across America to visit the nation's capital. Each year, ECI REC sponsors two high school sophomores or juniors on this expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

On Youth Tour, approximately 1,600 youth participants visit historical sites, meet congressional leaders, spend a day on Capitol Hill, cruise down the Potomac River, and learn about American history and government.

Other things students do and see on Youth Tour include:

  • Washington Monument

  • World War II Memorial

  • Albert Einstein Memorial

  • Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

  • Vietnam Veterans Memorial

  • The National Mall

  • Holocaust Memorial

  • Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

  • Ford's Theatre

  • Korean War Veterans Memorial

  • Lincoln Memorial

  • Washington National Cathedral

  • Iwo Jima Sunset Parade

  • White House

  • Newseum

  • And more!

Applications

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Youth Leadership Council

Youth Tour winners may also apply to serve on NRECA's Youth Leadership Council and represent the state of Iowa in this capacity. Check out 2019's video!

In 2010, one of ECI REC's Youth Tour winners represented Iowa, serving on the council for 2010-2011 period.

Scholarship Program for Youth Tour Alums

Youth Tour alumni who’ve completed their first year of college or received the equivalent credits can now apply for the Glenn English National Cooperative Leadership Foundation scholarship. More than 5,000 former Youth Tour participants dating back to 2009 are eligible to apply for the scholarship.

Applications will be accepted from January through March. As part of the application, students must include a link to a video testimonial explaining how they have demonstrated one of the seven cooperative principles. The application can be found on the Youth Tour Portal of NRECA.coop.