Washington Youth Tour

Since 1964, the nation’s electric cooperatives have sent student delegates to Washington, D.C. for the annual Youth Tour, organized by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), to gain a personal understanding of American history and their role as a citizen. Jackson EMC began sending delegates in 1971.

Each summer, Jackson EMC’s high school delegates join students from electric cooperatives across the country on an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to:

• Tour historical sites, such as Arlington National Cemetery, Capitol Hill, the Lincoln Memorial, Mount Vernon, the Smithsonian Institution, the U.S. Supreme Court, the Washington National Cathedral, and more.
• Meet members of Georgia’s congressional delegation and learn more about American history and government and the cooperative business model.
• Develop leadership and team building skills.
• Create lifelong friendships with students from across the nation.

About the Youth Tour

The Washington Youth Tour is sponsored nationally by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and statewide by the Georgia Electric Membership Corporation. High school students from across the nation attend the tour for an incredible week in the nation's Capitol to develop their leadership and team building skills further as well networking with other civic-minded students. The annual youth tour will be held on June 15-22, 2023.

As Georgia’s oldest leadership program for teens, the Washington Youth Tour teaches high school students about U.S. history, government and the importance of public service.

Former President Lyndon B. Johnson inspired the tour when he encouraged electric cooperatives to send students to the nation’s Capitol to see first-hand what the flag represents.

2023 Application Process

The application process is closed for 2023.

Applicants should be successful in academics, engaged in school and/or outside activities and community service and have demonstrated leadership potential. Applicants are evaluated on their academics, community service and personal essay, as well as letters of recommendation.

A panel of business, community and university leaders will interview finalists on February 20, 2023. One finalist from each high school in our service area will be selected for an interview. The competition is designed to reward well-rounded high school sophomores and juniors with leadership potential or leadership experience in their schools and communities. Successful delegates have demonstrated poise, articulation, tenacity, and a heart for service.