Youth Tour Contest

The Youth Tour Contest offers high school students a chance to win an unforgettable trip to Washington, D.C. Participants will join other students from across the nation to learn about leadership, government, and the importance of civic engagement while exploring the nation’s capital.

Youth Tour Adventure

What is the Rural Electric Youth Tour Trip?

Access Energy Cooperative sends two students to participate in the Rural Electric Youth Tour in June of each year, for an activity-filled week, affording these high school youths opportunities to learn first-hand what it is like to be involved in politics, community development and today’s social issues.

The 2025 trip will be held June 15-21

Click here for a short video introduction to the Youth Tour.

Participate and visit historic sites
Explore the Smithsonian museums
Take a cruise on the Potomac River
Meet with their Senators and House Representatives where they discuss the process of government
Discuss current issues
Increase their knowledge of cooperative electric utilities and American history

Follow the Youth Tour on Facebook here or on X @IowaYouthTour.

Be a sophomore or junior high school student in the Access Energy Cooperative service area—need not be a member to apply (Click here to see a map of the service area)
Submit an application by February 28th.
Applications can be obtained in December:
1. At all area school guidance counselor offices
2. By contacting the Access Energy Cooperative office at 1-866-242-4232 and requesting it to be mailed
3. By downloading an application and submitting it to our office before February 28th; or
4. By submitting the form below before February 28th, or you can print it and email or mail to our office
Attend a personal interview in March 2025 at our office in Mt Pleasant. Judges are brought in from out of the area to select the winners, so no exceptions can be made.

Apply Now

Youth Tour Application

Full Name

High School

Address

City/Town

State/Province

ZIP/Postal Code

Main Contact Phone

Home Phone

Account Number

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Year in School

Sophomore

Junior

Parents/Guardians Name

What High School Extra-curricular Activities Have You Participated In?

Activity

Years Participated

Activity

Years Participated

Activity

Years Participated

What groups or organizations are you involved in outside of school?

Why would you like to go to Washington D.C.?

If given the opportunity, what issues/topics would you like to discuss with your congressional representative?

What type of employment (if any) have you had during high school, including summer jobs?