Central Electric Cooperative is accepting applications for its 2026 Washington, D.C. Youth Tour program. CEC will select two high school juniors to visit the nation’s capital for a one-week trip in June.
Participants will join hundreds of student leaders from electric cooperatives nationwide to learn about cooperatives’ contributions to rural America, leadership, the political process and interact with elected officials. The trip includes visits to the nation’s capital and other notable sites, such as Arlington National Cemetery, the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, the Washington Monument, Mount Vernon, and the Smithsonian.
High school juniors interested in applying can find the application here. Applications will be accepted through Friday, January 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. and can be completed online, mailed, or dropped off at any Central Electric office.
To be eligible, students’ families must be CEC members. Applicants must include information about their interests and a 500 to 1,000 word essay on the following topic: “What is the greatest issue facing your community, and how can you be a part of the solution?” Applicants will participate in an interview conducted by a committee comprised of CEC employees.
The Youth Tour is an all-expense paid trip as the co-op will cover the selected student’s transportation, lodging, meals, and one checked bag.
The selected students will share their trip experience with CEC’s membership at the co-op’s annual meeting in April 2027. For more information, https://www.cec.coop/in-your-
