Electric Cooperative Youth Tour
Essay Contest

Win One of Two All-Expense Paid Trips To Washington DC this summer!

Deadline to Enter: February 20, 2026, 4:30 pm

The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour is an all-expense paid, week-long trip (June 13-20, 2026) to Washington, D.C., coordinated by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), Youth Tour Directors from statewide electric cooperative associations, and local electric cooperatives throughout the country like SLEMCO.

Hundreds of students make the trip to our nation’s capital after their junior year in high school to learn about Youth Tour values – leadership, civic engagement, cooperative membership, and community service.

Once in D.C., students are immersed in an intensive “crash-course” on civics, government, American history and the role and importance of electric cooperatives in American History.

SLEMCO winners will travel by bus with chaperones and winners from other Louisiana electric cooperatives to our nation’s capital, where they will gather and tour with students sponsored by other electric cooperatives from nearly every state around the country. There are typically 1,500 student participants each year.

For the 2026 Youth Tour, SLEMCO is sponsoring two students – one boy and one girl – whose parents must be current SLEMCO members.

An essay contest will determine the two winners, with all submissions considered by a SLEMCO-appointed panel of judges.

Essay Topic:

Select an issue/challenge of personal interest or importance that affects your community and discuss how you think it can be solved and how you can be part of a solution to that challenge or issue.

Trip Information:

Trip Dates:

June 13-20, 2026
Trip Location:

Washington, D.C.
Cost to Winner:

All trip expenses are paid by SLEMCO. Spending money is the only cost to winners.
Potential Follow Up Trip:

Students select a fellow student from their home state to participate as a delegate in the Youth Leadership Council. If chosen, the student will attend NRECA's PowerXchange conference held in San Diego, California for the week of February 14th, 2027. All expenses are paid for the student selected.
For More Information:

https://www.electric.coop/our-organization/youth-programs/about-the-youth-tour

Rules & Criteria:

Deadline to Enter:

February 20, 2026 – 4:30 pm
Who Can Enter:

Students must be a junior in high school to participate.
Who Will Be Chosen:

One boy and one girl will be selected as winners.
Essay Length:

The letter must be 500 words or more in a Word document.
Sponsoring Member Requirements:

Parents of the winners must be SLEMCO members. In the case of commercial accounts, parents must own at least one-half (1/2) of the business. Documentation will be required.
Grandparents can only sponsor a student if they are legal guardians of the student.
AI Generated Content:

Any AI generated content will be disqualified.
Winner Annoucement:

Winners will be selected and notified by March 20, 2026.
Questions:

Questions can be directed to
Mary Laurent at 337-896-2520 or Mary.Laurent@Slemco.com

General FAQs

What is the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour?

The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour is a long-standing educational program that brings nearly 1,500 high school students from 44 states to Washington, D.C., every summer.

Who organizes and sponsors the Youth Tour?

The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour is organized by NRECA and statewide associations representing local electric cooperatives. Delegates are sponsored by local electric cooperatives, making the trip free for participating delegates.

Who accompanies the students during the trip?

Students travel with peers from their state and are chaperoned by statewide staff and employees from local electric cooperatives. NRECA staff is on-site throughout the trip to ensure the program runs smoothly and safely.

What historical sites and institutions will delegates visit?

Itineraries vary by state, but attendees can expect to experience history firsthand by visiting iconic monuments, the Smithsonian museums and the U.S. Capitol. During Hill Day, participants will have the opportunity to meet with their representatives and senators.