Like the blooming of the Cherry Blossom trees in Washington, D.C., we also have an annual rite of spring here at our cooperative: the selection of high school juniors to visit the nation’s capital and see the sights and sounds of our nation’s capital, and learn about the electric cooperative movement through NRECA’s Youth Tour Program.

Students don’t go alone. They join others, selected by their local cooperatives, and together make a strong delegation representing our state and nation. This annual event is no small undertaking; it brings more than 1,400 students, chaperones and school teachers together from across the country. Alaska is represented. Hawaii, too. New Hampshire, Texas, Tennessee and California add to the union of co-op youths.

Why is this program important? This is a question that we revisit every year. Here are some other questions we ask ourselves: Is it important to reach out to the younger members of our communities? Is it important for our future leaders to meet their legislators and to see government at work? Is it important for our students to share ideas and experiences with others just like them, but from all across the country? Is it important for these students to learn what a cooperative is? How it works? And finally, will these students be better citizens in the communities they choose to live as a result of this experience?

The answers to these fundamental questions are always a resounding, “Yes.” The value is undeniable. The facts speak for themselves: this program has been around for more than 40 years and now boasts over 40,000 participants from across the country.

The roll of past Youth Tour participants includes current state legislators, farmers, housewives, attorneys, business-owners and even a few congressional staffers. Often the investment in the life of these individuals isn’t seen in the short term, but it is one that will pay dividends for years to come.

High school juniors whose parents or guardians are members of the cooperative are eligible for the Youth Tour. A short essay will determine the winners.