Iowa Youth Tour
About
Iowa's locally owned electric cooperatives have been sending high school students to Washington D.C. every June since 1958! On the weeklong tour, students learn about electric cooperatives, American history and U.S. government and walk away with a greater understanding of their role as an American citizen. They participate in National Youth Day, visit with their elected legislators, and explore the sights around the nation’s capital. In Iowa, students apply for slots from their local electric cooperative. High school students with a passion for government and public service are encouraged to apply.
​
Approximately 40 high school students are chosen by local electric cooperatives from across the state of Iowa every year. Each cooperative sets its own selection criteria, so findÂ
About
Iowa's locally owned electric cooperatives have been sending high school students to Washington D.C. every June since 1958! On the weeklong tour, students learn about electric cooperatives, American history and U.S. government and walk away with a greater understanding of their role as an American citizen. They participate in National Youth Day, visit with their elected legislators, and explore the sights around the nation’s capital. In Iowa, students apply for slots from their local electric cooperative. High school students with a passion for government and public service are encouraged to apply.
​
Approximately 40 high school students are chosen by local electric cooperatives from across the state of Iowa every year. Each cooperative sets its own selection criteria, so findÂ
your local electric co-op from the list below for more details. The Iowa students join with more than 1,800 students from co-ops around the country for the national Youth Tour in Washington D.C. in June.
​
Students are selected for this program by their local electric cooperative through the overall strength of the applicant. If you want to take advantage of this incredible leadership opportunity, contact your local rural electric cooperative or high school career center for additional information.
Apply
Each year, North West REC sponsors a Youth Tour contest. This year two students will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. This years' trip is scheduled for June 15-21, 2025.
​
Sons and daughters of North West REC member-consumers, who are juniors in high school, are eligible and encouraged to participate.
If you are interested in applying for this program, find an application here. Application deadline is February 14, 2025.
​
Applications can be mailed to:
Atten: Youth Tour Committee
North West REC
PO Box 435
Orange City IA 51041
Or email applications to nwrec@nwrec.coop Atten: Youth Tour Committee
​
If you have any questions, contact NWREC by email or call 712-707-4935 or 1-800-766-2099
2024 Youth Tour Winners
Elizabeth Arens
Brody Knaap
Watch an Interview from a past Youth Tour participant Carlyn Bretey :
​
You may also be interested in visiting:
Iowa Youth Leadership Academy Resources
https://www.facebook.com/IowaYouthTour
https://twitter.com/IowaYouthTour
​
Pictures from past Youth Tour trips
3 NWREC Youth Tour Students
The entire iowa youth tour group
3 NWREC Youth Tour Students