What do 1,500 high school students, our nation’s capital and electric cooperatives have in common? The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, of course!

Youth Tour was established with one thought in mind ­— to inspire our next generation of leaders. Since 1958, more than 50,000 young Americans have taken advantage of this special opportunity offered by their electric cooperative throughout the US. Since 1960, BCREMC alone has sent 116 students on Youth Tour. 

It all takes place in June, when hundreds of electric co-ops across the country send participants to Washington, D.C., for a chance to learn about the cooperative business model and enjoy a full week of sightseeing. 

While in D.C., participants meet with their elected officials and discuss the issues important back home. Without a doubt, Youth Tour has grown into an invaluable program that gives young Americans an experience that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. 

The application process has begun to select local students to attend Youth Tour 2019, June 13-20. If you are a high school junior interested in traveling to Washington, D.C., to experience the trip of a lifetime, please go to IndianaYouthTour.org to apply. 

Perhaps you know an exceptional student who would be a great candidate for the program. If you do, please share this article with them.

Youth Tour is so much more than a sightseeing trip. Students have repeatedly shared that this experience has helped them grow into successful professionals. It has also benefited our local communities. Youth Tour participants return home with a deeper understanding and skillset of what it takes to be leader, and as a result, they put these skills to use right here in our community. 

Help us find the next generation of leaders by sharing the Youth Tour experience with a promising student. For more information about Youth Tour, learn more here.

Jim Turner is General Manager/CEO of Bartholomew County REMC.