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Youth Tour

Youth Tour 2026

Apply for a chance to win a free trip to Washington DC! Current juniors in high school, whose parent or guardian is a Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative (MLEC) member are eligible to apply. This year’s Youth Tour is June 15 – 20.

NEW! The trip winner will be awarded a $1000 scholarship!

Youth Tour Application
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  • Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative will be sending a student to the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington DC on June 15-20, 2026. To be eligible, a student must currently be a junior and his/her parent or guardian must be a MLEC member. This trip includes the sites and sounds of Washington DC! Take in culture of all kinds; the Smithsonian, Holocaust and American History museums; historic sites; memorials; and, spend an afternoon on “The Hill”. Complete the online application below or download the Youth Tour 2025 Application Form (PDF)

  • Student Info

Youth Tour Information

What Is the Washington, D.C. Youth Tour?

Every June, as many as 1,500 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 – cooperatives that are committed to educating America's rural youth about America and the role electric cooperatives play in developing strong rural communities.

Participating in the Youth Tour is an awesome way to learn about this great nation, develop leadership skills, gain a better understanding of electric cooperatives, and make friendships that will last beyond the week!

Students will visit Congressional offices, tour monuments and museums, gain leadership skills, and enjoy special social events. View a sample itinerary.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must be:

  • Juniors in high school.
  • Dependents of parents/guardians that are members of Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative.
What Is the Deadline To Submit?

Applications are due March 3rd.

Applicants will be judged on their knowledge of the subject, style, content, grammar, and originality of the essay topic. Judges will also evaluate the applicant's answers to their hobbies, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and why he or she would like to attend the tour.