Apply Today for the Trip of a Lifetime!
by Emily Staton
Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative Corporation (AVECC) will select high school juniors to participate in the 2024 Youth Tour, an all-expenses-paid educational trip to Washington, D.C., June 15-21, 2024. Students selected will receive a $500 scholarship from AVECC as well as an opportunity to earn a $5,000 scholarship from the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas. Applications are now available to all juniors enrolled at a local high school or homeschool whose parents or guardians are AVECC members.
Youth Tour is a leadership-based opportunity for students to connect with their community and cooperative. The selected students will represent AVECC as they join students from electric cooperatives across the nation in Washington, D.C., to learn about cooperatives' impact on rural communities. Students will have an opportunity to meet Arkansas’ congressional delegation, and visit historic sites, such as Mount Vernon, the Smithsonian Institution, Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the U.S. Capitol.
At its core, Youth Tour is a grassroots campaign to bring awareness to the endless opportunities available to the next generation of rural leaders.
Brandon Fisher, AVECC Technology and Communication Manager stated,
“It is vital for our youth to learn how they can advocate for their communities. They can learn these life-changing skills by building relationships from across the nation."
High school juniors may apply by filling out the online application on the AVECC Washington Youth Tour Page. The deadline to apply is Feb. 16, 2024, by 5 p.m.
"Youth Tour is an amazing opportunity to not only visit the nation's capital, but also a chance to bond with other students from across the state. For me, the experience was beyond amazing. The week of the trip is packed with activities and you will not want it to end."
Garrett Springs - Northside High School, 2023 Youth Tour Delegate
"Youth Tour is one of the best trips I have ever been on. Nothing will ever replace the lifelong friendships and memories I made. If you are a high school junior this year, you have to apply for Youth Tour!"
Gabrielle Russell - Van Buren High School, 2023 Youth Tour Delegate
"Youth Tour changed my life. I wish everyone could have the opportunity to experience it. I learned so much and think it might have been the best week of my life. It is truly remarkable."
Robert Branham - Scranton High School, 2023 Youth Tour Delegate