This year, People's Electric Cooperative's (PEC) Youth Tour program is shifting to the fall! School visits will now take place in October, followed by testing in November. This earlier timeline ensures students have plenty of time to prepare and keeps PEC aligned with program partners for the summer trip.
For decades, Youth Tour has been an unforgettable adventure for high school juniors, offering a weeklong, all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. This premier program, dating back to 1964, has introduced over 50,000 young Americans to the nation’s capital and the cooperative difference. PEC alone has proudly sent 113 students on this life-changing journey. 381501200
From June 13 through June 19, 2026, Youth Tour delegates from electric cooperatives nationwide will descend on Washington, D.C., for a week packed with leadership, education, and exploration. Delegates will delve into the cooperative business model while soaking in iconic sights.
Their itinerary brims with excitement: a personal meeting with the Oklahoma Congressional Delegation, a step back in time at Mount Vernon, a scenic Potomac River boat cruise, and visits to major landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian museums. For these students, Youth Tour isn’t just a trip—it’s a transformational experience that will shape their future.
Your Path to D.C. Starts Here
Are you a high school junior with a thirst for adventure? PEC is searching for 3 local students to represent our community on the Youth Tour 2026. If you’re enrolled in 11th grade in a school (or homeschool) system within 1 of PEC’s 11 service counties, you’re eligible to apply!
The journey begins with representatives from PEC visiting schools during October to meet with interested juniors and share details about this incredible program. In November, local high schools will also have the opportunity to participate as host testing sites, making it even easier for students to get involved.
Interested juniors will then take a written test on rural electrification. Study materials, provided by PEC, can be downloaded from our website.