What is the Government-in-Action Youth Tour?
Every June, as many as 1,500 high school students from across the country spend a week in the nation's capital as part of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. The students are sponsored by electric cooperatives – cooperatives that are committed to educating America's rural youth about America and the role electric cooperatives play in developing strong rural communities.
Participating in the Youth Tour is an awesome way to learn about this great nation, develop leadership skills, gain a better understanding of electric cooperatives, and make friendships that will last beyond the week!
You could win a trip to Washington, D.C.
Greenbelt Electric Cooperative, Inc. appreciates the interest you have in our Rural Electric Youth Tour, and we hope your interest turns into a participating one.
While in Washington, D.C., students will get to meet their respective members of Congress, tour the Smithsonian Institution, participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery, visit Mount Vernon, and see memorials honoring presidents, heroes and historic events important in the evolution of the United States.
Rules of the Rural Electric Youth Tour Contest
- 3-minute video which needs to include the following:
- Tell us about yourself.
- Why do you think you would be an ideal candidate to represent Greenbelt Electric Cooperative?
- What is an accomplishment you are most proud of and why?
- Video must be completed no later than February 2, 2026, and emailed to Janie Duncan at jduncan@gectx.coop. (make sure the subject line says YT 2026)
- The final judging will be completed by February 10, 2026, and winners will be notified.
This year’s Rural Electric Youth Tour is scheduled for June 14-21, 2026.