Photo credit: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
High school students 15–17 years old can apply now for the 2026 National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Youth Tour trip to Washington, D.C.! The all-expense-paid educational trip gives students a chance to interact hands-on with our nation’s capital city and discover the history of American electric cooperatives.
MEC chooses up to two delegates each year, who join nearly 1,800 other high schoolers from across the country. The students spend one week in Washington, D.C., visiting historical sites, meeting lawmakers, and more.
Youth Tour 2025
This year’s delegate, Jenna, said her trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“On the trip, I learned a lot about our presidents and their pasts. I also learned how to talk to strangers and make new friends,” she says.
On Wednesday, Jenna met with other Michigan delegates in Grand Rapids. The group then flew to Baltimore to get settled in their hotel before exploring the National Harbor.
Thursday included visits to Navy Plaza, the National Archives, and Arlington National Cemetery, as well as a tour of the Capitol. On Friday, the group explored a number of monuments and memorials, as well as the Smithsonian museums. On Saturday, they spent time at the National Zoo and the Holocaust Museum, and on Sunday, they visited Ford’s Theater, the White House, and Mount Vernon.
“Throughout the week, we went to various different landmarks and memorials,” Jenna says. “Some were sad and eye-opening while others were gorgeous and fun. I was never really interested in history before but we learned some cool stuff.”
Time was set aside each night for a special group activity. These ranged from mingling opportunities, to bowling, to dinner and a musical.
“My favorite part of the trip was the activities in the hotel where we got to interact with other states,” Jenna says. “The one that I personally had the most fun at was the dance. Traveling with other students from Michigan was a lot of fun and I made many friends that I try and keep in touch with.”
Apply Now for 2026
NRECA is accepting applications for the 2026 Youth Tour trip at CooperativeYouthTour.com. The final day to apply is Wednesday, Dec. 31.
Applicants must be 15–17 years old and live in a household that receives MEC electric service. Children of MEC employees and board members are not eligible to apply.
Jenna’s advice? Dress for the weather.
“For students thinking about applying, I would suggest packing comfortable and breathable clothes,” she says. “It was insanely hot with only a few air-conditioned places. I would also insist that you get good walking shoes. You walk everywhere and your feet can start to hurt quickly.”
