Youth Tour June 17-23, 2027 – Experience The Capital Like Never Before
Each year, students are selected from REC’s service territory to join the Virginia Maryland and Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC) on a once in a lifetime tour of Washington, D.C. to attend the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's (NRECA) Youth Tour.
Youth Tour is not just a trip. It is an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience that can change the way you see your future. This is your chance to stand where leaders have stood, see history up close, and imagine yourself making an impact
Are you a high school junior with big dreams and a passion for making a difference? If your family gets electricity from Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC), this opportunity is calling your name.
What Awaits You On Youth Tour:
- Tour the U.S. Capitol, and experience other unique opportunities only in Washington D.C.
- All travel expenses, meals, lodging, tours, and activities are included at no cost to you.
- Meet congressional representatives and staff, network with other future leaders, and learn how to use your voice to create real change.
- Make friends with other ambitious students from Virginia and beyond who will inspire you and support you for years to come.
- The opportunity to apply for NRECA’s Youth Leadership Council, a national year-long program that brings together high school students to build leadership, public speaking, and advocacy skills.
- The opportunity to apply for the Glenn English National Cooperative Leadership Foundation Youth Tour Alumni Scholarships
Ready to Join Us for Youth Tour 2027?
Youth Tour has shaped generations of leaders. Now it is your turn to shine. If you are ready for this opportunity to represent your community by attending this event, submit your application today!
- Youth Tour 2027 will be June 19-23, 2027
- The application period for Youth Tour 2027 is now open and will close Sunday, January 31, 2027.
- Please note a letter of recommendation and a letter to a representative is required through this online application and must be received by the application deadline of January 31.
- You can save a draft of your work if you would like to finish filling out the form later.
- Students will be notified by the end of February of their selection status and to confirm their attendance if selected.
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUTH TOUR? Please email community@myrec.coop.
Local Students Represent REC at NRECA Youth Tour 2026
Four high school students represented Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) during the exclusive National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's (NRECA) 2026 Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.
Noreen Ndonde of Albemarle County, Lincoln Stuart of Culpeper County, Maia Parks of Frederick County and Adrian Keyser of Spotsylvania County joined more than 1,800 students from across the nation for a fast-paced, educational week.
With a focus on leadership, civic engagement, U.S. history and the cooperative business model, students explored the nation's capital, built relationships with peers, received valuable behind-the-scenes access to our government in action, and learned more about how electric cooperatives serve their communities.
Read the full story here: Local Students Represent REC at NRECA Youth Tour 2026
How Youth Tour Started: Youth Tour was inspired by Sen. Lyndon Baines Johnson when he addressed the NRECA Annual Meeting in 1957. The senator and future president declared, "If one thing goes out of this meeting, it will be sending youngsters to the national capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents."
