Youth To Washington

Youth to Washington Program

Rural Electric Cooperatives have been sending youth to our nation's capital to meet congressional leaders and historic sites for over 40 years. To date, over 50,000 students have participated in this unique program.

Students on the tour learn about electric cooperatives, American history and our government. For many, this trip becomes a springboard into a rewarding career of governmental service.

While on the trip, students visit historic Washington sites and memorials, visit the nation's Capital, visit with Illinois House and Senate leaders and cruise the Potomac. Students will also participate in the Illinois Rural Youth Day in Springfield. Here they will meet our state House and Senate congressional leaders. Watch Youth Tour video for a sneak preview.

Who Can Enter

Any high school sophomore or junior (10th and 11th grades) who attends public or private school in one of the following communities is eligible to enter: Sparta, Chester, Trico, Pinckneyville, Carbondale, Carterville, Murphysboro, Elverado, Marissa, Steeleville and Coulterville. Members of the immediate families of any director or full-time employee of Egyptian Electric or any other electric cooperative are not eligible to compete. Any student who has previously been a finalist in the competition will not be allowed to compete a second time.

When is the Contest?

All applications are due by March 15, 2013.

To see photos of students while in Washington, visit http://photos.youthtour.org

For additional information, contact Bryce Cramer, District Office Manager, Murphysboro office.