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Making a Mark For Generations
What do Lyndon B. Johnson, Tim Cook and Jimmy Carter have in common? They’re all connected to an extraordinary program that prepares and empowers the next generation of leaders to make their marks.
Every June since the late 1950s, high school students sponsored by electric cooperatives across the nation have converged upon the nation’s capital for a week they’ll never forget. They’re among the young people participating in the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour.
Years before Lyndon B. Johnson became the 36th president, the then-senator energized attendees at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s 1957 Annual Meeting, urging them to focus on educating their younger neighbors.
“If one thing comes out of this meeting, it will be sending youngsters to the national capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents,” he said.
A year later, an Iowa electric co-op took 34 students to Washington, D.C., with that goal, and other electric co-ops quickly followed suit.
Arizona joined the Washington Youth Tour in 1981, sending five students from Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative. SSVEC was the single participating cooperative until Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association Inc., Arizona’s statewide electric cooperative association, took on the role of facilitating Youth Tour.
In 1999, all GCSECA member electric co-ops and two tribal utilities sent a total of 34 students to Youth Tour.
While the purpose of Youth Tour is to allow teens to see the nation’s capital up close, learn about the political process and better understand their role as citizens, it’s also an opportunity for students to develop public speaking and leadership skills. It also educates them on the vital role electric co-ops play in their communities and how they can help co-ops better serve those communities.
“They get to experience things they typically wouldn’t have the opportunity to do in rural communities,” says Sylvia Cruz, Arizona’s Statewide Youth Tour co-director. “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 students don’t pay a penny. The entire cost is funded by local cooperatives, statewide associations and NRECA—all of whom recognize the value of that investment.
“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 D.C., Youth Tour participants get a firsthand look at the monuments and memorials that narrate American history. They explore interactive exhibits and displays at the Smithsonian Museums, and tour historic locations, such as Mount Vernon and Arlington National Cemetery.
The immersive experience enriches their understanding of the nation’s heritage and ignites a passion for learning. Participants also have an opportunity to meet with Arizona’s congressional leaders.
This year, 46 students, 10 chaperones and 2 directors sponsored by their electric co-ops participated in Youth Tour from June 13-20.
You might think it would be difficult to get the attention of busy congressional representatives and other federal officials, but many can’t wait for that week in June.
“We’ve been told by several members of Congress that Youth Tour is their favorite time of year,” Sylvia says. “They enjoy hearing from the students about the issues that are impacting their lives and hometowns. The legislators and their staff go out of their way to make time to see our delegates, because the energy they bring to D.C. is just palpable.”
Nearly 50,000 students from cooperative-served communities across America have deepened their understanding of the nation and the role they can play in shaping it through this vital effort. More than a few have returned to Capitol Hill to serve as congressional aides. A handful have even been elected to House and Senate seats.
Many delegates return home invested in their electric co-op and become lineworkers, member service representatives, board members and CEOs. Some Youth Tour alumni can earn college scholarships through the Glen English Scholarship Foundation, while others are selected to participate in a Youth Leadership Council program.
GCSECA is proud to share that Rori Prentice is the delegate selected as this year’s Arizona Youth Leadership Council Representative. Rori is sponsored by SSVEC.
Occasionally, program alumni return to volunteer as 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.
Hannah Capozzi, Arizona Statewide Youth Tour co-director, says her favorite part of Youth Tour is the students’ reactions.
“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,” she says. “The first time we get a glimpse of the Washington Monument or the Capitol and everyone releases a hushed and excited murmur on the bus, remind 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.”
Overall, Youth Tour is an extraordinary program that continues to impact generations of individuals and their 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.”
Visit www.gcseca.coop/youth-tour to learn more about Arizona’s Youth Tour program.
All photos by Sylvia Cruz