Inspiration for Generations: Electric Cooperative Youth Tour

Every June since the late 1950s, high school students sponsored by electric cooperatives across the nation have converged on the nation’s capital for an experience they’ll never forget: the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour.

While the purpose of the weeklong Youth Tour is to allow teens to see the nation’s capital up close, learn about the political process, and better understand the role they play as citizens, it’s also an opportunity for them to develop public speaking skills and leadership qualities, and experience history and culture. Students learn the vital role electric co-ops play in their communities and how to be part of helping co-ops serve their local communities.

“They get to experience things they typically wouldn’t have the opportunity to do in rural communities,” Arizona’s Statewide Youth Tour Co-Director Sylvia Cruz says. “It opens their eyes and broadens their horizons to so much of what’s happening in America.”

Youth Tour connects nearly 2,000 participants from across the country, but the students don’t pay a penny. The entire cost is funded by local cooperatives, statewide associations, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, all of whom recognize the value.

“Arizona’s electric cooperatives know they’re investing in the next generation of co-op members and leaders,” Sylvia says. “We’re giving these students a firsthand look at how the co-op business model works before most have zeroed in on a career.”

While visiting the nation’s capital, Youth Tour participants view the monuments and memorials that narrate American history. They explore interactive exhibits and displays at the Smithsonian museums, tour historical locations like Mount Vernon and Arlington National Cemetery, and visit other historical and interactive locations. The immersive experience enriches their understanding of our nation’s heritage and ignites a passion for learning. Participants also have an opportunity to meet with Arizona’s congressional leaders.

This year, 50 Arizona students and 13 chaperones were sponsored by their electric co-ops to participate in Youth Tour, held June 14 through June 20.

Many delegates return home invested in their electric co-ops, later becoming lineworkers, member service representatives, board members, or CEOs. Some Youth Tour alumni earn college scholarships through the Glen English Scholarship Foundation, while others are selected to participate in a Youth Leadership Council program. Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association is proud to announce that this year’s Arizona Youth Leadership Council Representative is Elizabeth Frederick, sponsored by Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative.

Other program alumni return to volunteer as adult chaperones, eager to share their own life-changing experiences with the next generation.

“Our goal is to make sure that Youth Tour delegates leave D.C. inspired, ready to go back to their hometown and become the leaders who will create the change their communities need to see,” Sylvia says.

“No matter how many Youth Tour trips I have the pleasure of directing, my favorite part is watching the eyes of students and chaperones alike light up seeing some of our nation’s most iconic landmarks in person,” Arizona Statewide Youth Tour Co-Director Hannah Capozzi says. “The first time we get a glimpse of the Washington Monument or the Capitol building and everyone releases a hushed and excited murmur on the bus reminds me that there’s still wonder left to be found in the world, and our co-ops are right in the middle of it—bringing dreams and history to life.”

Youth Tour is an extraordinary program that continues to impact generations of individuals and communities.

“Our co-ops are vital pillars within our rural communities and are investing so much more than just time and energy into the next generation of co-op members and leaders,” Hannah says. “We’re investing in opportunities for leadership, culture, knowledge, education, and new experiences to grow and learn. One of my favorite quotes is from our 26th president, Mr. Theodore Roosevelt, ‘No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” I believe Youth Tour is one of the greatest ways we show our communities just how much we really do care about the growth, education, culture, and experiences of our next generation.”

To learn more about Arizona’s Youth Tour program, visit the Youth Tour page.