Washington Youth Tour

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

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) and sponsored statewide by the Georgia Electric Membership Corporation. Student delegates gain a personal understanding of American history and their role as a citizen. Jackson EMC began sending delegates in 1971. 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.

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.

2025 Application Process

Applications are not currently open.

Jackson EMC is looking for students who are motivated, engaged and service-minded. Applicants should have strong academics with demonstrated leadership potential. Applicants are evaluated on their academics, community service, personal essay and letters of recommendation.

A panel of business, community and university leaders will interview finalists on February 17, 2025. The competition is designed to reward well-rounded high school sophomores and/or juniors with leadership potential or leadership experience in their schools and communities. Successful delegates have demonstrated poise, articulation, tenacity and a heart for service. The 2025 dates are June 13-20.