Youth Tour

2027 YOUTH TOUR
June 17- 23, 2027

The Ohioโ€™s Electric Cooperatives Youth Tour is an annual leadership program sponsored by URE. Itโ€™s a weeklong, all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., that gives exceptional high school students the opportunity to meet with their congressional leaders at the U.S. Capitol, make new friends from across the state and country, and see many of the famous Washington, D.C., sights.




โ€œYouth Tour pushed me outside my comfort zone in the best possible way. I came home with lifelong friendships, a new perspective on life and a greater appreciation for our electric cooperative. If you’re thinking about applying, do itโ€”you won’t regret it.โ€
โ€”
Ben Zahn, 2026 Delegate




“Youth Tour truly was the trip of a lifetime. Meeting students from across Ohio and the country, ecploring our nation’s capital and seeing the U.S. Capitol in person made this an experience I’ll never forget. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to represent URE.”
โ€” Kate Clarridge, 2025 Delegate

โ€œTo any student thinking about applying: do it! I promise you wonโ€™t regret it! I know I have made some lifelong friends and so many memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime. Thank you again to Union Rural Electric, Ohioโ€™s Electric Cooperatives, and NRECA for investing in us and giving me the incredible opportunity to be a part of Youth Tour 2025.โ€
โ€” Anne Twaddle, 2025 Delegate


โ€œI am thankful to everyone who made the Youth Tour possible. It was a truly memorable experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone reay to step out of their comfort zone, meet new people, and learn more about our nation’s capital..โ€
โ€” Sahithis Sandineni, 2024 Delegate

“Youth Tour gave me an invaluable insight into our nation’s history, as well as the crucial role of co-ops. I thank URE immensely for this incredible experience.”

โ€” Allison Stacklin, 2024 Delegate





Check out the Youth Tour 2026 highlights

Youth Tour Qualifications:

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Must be a high school sophomore or junior.

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Must be a son, daughter, or legal ward of a URE member living on the cooperativeโ€™s lines and receiving service from the cooperative at the time of selection.

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ITโ€™S SUPER EASY!ย 

  1. Fill out the application and short essay below.
  2. Create an email | COPY AND PASTE the link below into an email with the following message: โ€œPlease use this link to fill out a personal reference form so I can have a chance to go on Youth Tour.โ€ https://ure.com/community/youth-programs/ Personal References. References may be either a teacher or community leader. The adult(s) you choose should be personally acquainted with your activities, achievements, and academics.
  3. Send emails to THREE personal references.

Application deadline is Thursday, February 11

Youth Tour Application

Student's Name:(Required)
Address(Required)
By submitting photos through this form, you grant URE permission to use the images for cooperative communications and promotional purposes, including social media, newsletters, websites and other publications.
Max. file size: 128 MB.
Why would you like to go to Washington, D.C. as a representative of URE on Youth Tour? (Your essay will be judged on content, composition, and grammar – Limit 150 words)
FORMAT: Reference #1: Name, Occupation, Email, Phone | Reference #2: Name, Occupation, Email, Phone | Reference #3: Name, Occupation, Email, Phone

Learn More About The Experience