What is the Government-in-Action Youth Tour?
Each June, over 1,500 high school students from across the United States travel to Washington, D.C., for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. Sponsored by electric cooperatives, this week-long program aims to educate rural youth about our country's government, history, and the important role cooperatives play in their communities.
RVEC is proud to sponsor one high school student from the area each year for this all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., from June 15 to 21, 2025. In addition, the selected student will receive a $500 scholarship.
Students interested in government, public service, history, or leadership are encouraged to apply. It’s an unforgettable opportunity to:
- Explore the monuments and museums of our nation’s capital
- Meet with Iowa’s congressional delegation.
- Develop leadership abilities
- Discover more about the cooperative business model
- Build lifelong friendships with peers nationwide.
A Legacy That Lasts a Lifetime
Reflections from a 1960 Youth Tour Participant
In 1960, Gene Kruse was selected to represent Glidden REC at the inaugural Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. Decades later, after learning about the experiences of the 2025 participants, Gene reached out to share his own memories from that unforgettable week.
We invite you to click here to read Gene’s reflections, a compelling reminder of how the Youth Tour experience leaves a lasting impact, shaping lives and inspiring futures.
A special thank you to Gene and his sister Linda for sharing this meaningful piece of cooperative history with us. Stories like Gene’s highlight the true, long-term impact of Youth Tour—not just in the moment, but for a lifetime.
How to Apply
Visit IowaYouthTour.com to learn more and download the application.
The application deadline is March 1, 2025.
Questions? Contact: Morgan Kramer
📧 morgank@rvec.coop
📞 712-659-3649 or 800-253-6211