Tri-County Electric Cooperative, in partnership with Texas Electric Cooperatives, sponsors six high school students on an all-expense-paid trip to our Nation's Capital to tour historic sites, meet US congressional representatives, gain leadership experience and learn about the electric cooperative industry. Tri-County Electric Cooperative's Youth Tour Participants will receive a $2,000 scholarship for higher education or trade school.

Senator Lyndon B. Johnson initiated the Government In-Action Youth Tour in 1957 so young people in rural America could "see what the flag stands for and represents." In 1965, Texas Electric Cooperatives organized the first official Texas Youth Tour.

55 years later, the Youth Tour stands true to Johnson's dream and the cooperative spirit. Participants are able to interact with nearly 2,000 participants from across our great nation. Tri-County Electric Cooperative is excited to offer the opportunity to our young members.

2022 Youth Tour applications are Closed. 

Eligibility

• Be a current sophomore or junior in high school at the time of application
• Reside in a home powered by Tri-County Electric Cooperative, at your primary residence
• Submit a complete application by 5 pm Friday, January 21, 2022. No late applications will be accepted
• Applicants who advance to the interview level must attend a 15-minute interview with the Youth Tour Committee
• Selected participants must attend a pre-trip meeting with Co-op Staff in May 2022

Guidelines

• Complete the online application by Friday, January 21
• 500-word essay on one of the following topics
  1. If you could talk to a political leader, what would you ask and why? (Political leaders may include the President, Governor of Texas, Ag Commissioner, Representative, Mayor, etc.)
  2. Should electric linemen be considered first responders? Why or why not?
  3. If you were to start a cooperative, what kind would it by and what products or services would it offer?
• 2 letters of recommendation
• High resolution headshot (to be used to announce winners)