Washington D.C. Youth Tour

Funder: Southeastern Electric Cooperative (SEC); National Rural Electric Youth Tour

Geographic Scope: National program; South Dakota participants from SEC service territory travel to Washington, D.C.

Program Overview:
The National Rural Electric Youth Tour is an annual week-long educational event where approximately 1,800 high school students from across the United States convene in Washington, D.C. to learn about government, cooperatives, and rural electrification.

Program Components

• Duration: One week
• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Participants: Approximately 1,800 high school students from across the nation
• Educational Focus:
  • Government structure and operations
  • Cooperative principles and history
  • Rural electrification
  • Networking with peers from across the country

Activities Include

• Day on Capitol Hill observing House and Senate in session
• Visits to members of Congress in their offices
• State-planned itineraries (delegations follow state-specific plans)
• Exposure to government and cooperative systems

Eligibility

• High school student (grade level not specified in materials)
• Parent or guardian must be an active member-owner of Southeastern Electric Cooperative (implied)
• Must be selected through SEC's application process

Requirements

• Letter of Recommendation: Required as part of application
• Essay: Required as part of application

Contact Information

• Phone: 1.800.333.2859 (toll-free)
• Website: www.southeasternelectric.com
• National Program Info: www.youthtour.org

Application Process

1. Required Materials:
   • Completed application form
   • Letter of recommendation
   • Essay
2. Submission: Submit application materials by the deadline (typically early December)
3. Contact for Questions: Call 1.800.333.2859 or visit www.southeasternelectric.com
4. Additional Resources: Visit www.youthtour.org for national program information