Apply now for the 2023 Youth Tour.

What is the Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour?

Every June since the 1950s, as many as 1,800 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, like Pella Cooperative Electric, that are committed to educating America's rural youth about America and the role electric cooperatives play in developing strong rural communities.

Who can apply?

Pella Cooperative Electric sponsors one student each year who resides within the Pella Cooperative Electric service territory. This includes part of Jasper, Mahaska, Marion, and Poweshiek counties in Central Iowa. Click here to download the application.

When does it happen?

The 2023 Youth Tour Dates are June 17-23, 2023 with orientation on the evening of June 17 in Des Moines.

What will you do?

Students will have a chance to learn more about electric cooperatives and American history and will come home with a great understanding of their role as an American citizen. They will also learn about the U.S. government and meet with their members of Congress. On the trip, students will also take in the sights of D.C. as they visit monuments, museums, and historical landmarks. Participating in the Youth Tour is an awesome way to learn about this great nation, develop leadership skills, and make friendships that will last beyond the week. Students who go on Youth Tour call it a trip of a lifetime!

Why do we sponsor students?

Giving back to our communities and investing in the next generation of leaders is part of every electric cooperative's mission.

Congratulations to Maddie Schmitz

Pella High School junior Maddie Schmitz was selected for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour which she attended on June 18-24, 2022. 

During her time on the tour, Maddie was also selected as the Iowa representative for the Youth Leadership Council (YLC).  Each state participating in the tour selects one student to be a part of this national group known as the YLC. Maddie will serve as the Iowa delegate from June 2022 through March 2023. 

Maddie will attend the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperative's (IAEC) Annual Meeting in Des Moines this December and an all-expense-paid trip to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee next March. Of the national group, one student will be selected as the spokesperson for the YLC and give their speech at the NRECA meeting. Maddie also receives a $1,000 scholarship from the IAEC.

Congratulations Maddie!