Building Tomorrow’s Leaders: Youth Tour 2026

The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour is more than a trip to Washington, D.C. — it’s a launchpad for future leaders. For more than 60 years, electric cooperatives across the country have been giving students the opportunity to discover their voice, explore history firsthand and begin shaping their future. This once-in-a-lifetime experience goes beyond sightseeing. It’s about building confidence, growing leadership skills and making lifelong connections. 
 

What’s in it for students? 
Delegates from Delaware will join more than 1,800 students from across the country in Washington, D.C., June 15 – 19, 2026. During the trip, students will have the opportunity to:

• Develop leadership skills through hands-on workshops and real-world experiences
• Strengthen their resumes with a nationally recognized program valued by colleges and employers
• Connect with peers from 44 states and build friendships that last well beyond the trip
• Meet with elected officials and see how government works up close
• Experience history firsthand through iconic monuments and world-class museums
• Learn how electric cooperatives support rural communities across America

And the best part? All expenses — including travel, lodging, meals and program costs — are fully covered by Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC). The program is coordinated by the Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC) and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

Don’t miss this opportunity! Applications for Youth Tour are now open. If you know a rising high school junior that lives on DEC lines who is curious, motivated and ready to grow as a leader, please encourage them to apply. This isn’t just a trip — it’s a chance to discover what’s possible and leave your mark.
 

For full details, visit our website at delaware.coop/youthtour. Applications are due by Friday, February 27, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. For questions, please contact Lauren Irby at [email protected].