Delaware Electric Cooperative Offers Youth Tour to High School Students
DEC is now accepting applications for its Youth Tour leadership program: an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. from June 16-20, 2025! This is your chance to join over 1,800 high school students from across the country for a fun-filled week of leadership development while exploring our nation’s capital. We’re looking for students who are currently in their junior or senior year of high school who live in homes served by DEC. Three students from Delaware Electric Cooperative's service area will be selected to represent the Cooperative on the national stage.
The Youth Tour experience is packed with educational activities and exciting events, including: networking with student leaders from across the U.S., meetings with U.S. Representatives and Senators, learning about the electric cooperative business model, exploring Washington, D.C.’s iconic museums, monuments, and activities like baseball games, boat cruises and dance parties.
Youth Tour is more than just a trip; it’s a chance to make lifelong friendships and join a vibrant community of over 50,000 alumni. Whether you're interested in leadership, public service or just want to experience the nation's capital in a unique way, Youth Tour will provide valuable experiences that will last a lifetime. DEC will pay for all transportation, meals, hotel accommodations and admission fees during the trip. We’ll also provide chaperones to ensure that students are well taken care of throughout the entire experience. This program is coordinated regionally by the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC) and nationally by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).
Additionally, one student from DEC’s Youth Tour delegation will be selected to serve on NRECA’s Youth Leadership Council (YLC). This student will represent Delaware at NRECA’s Annual Meeting in Nashville, TN in March 2026.
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity! Apply using the application linked below. Applications are due by Friday, February 14 at 4:30 p.m. For questions, please contact Lauren Irby at [email protected]
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