What Is the Rural Electric Youth Tour?
The Rural Electric Youth Tour is an annual event coordinated by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and Carolina Electric Cooperatives, and sponsored by the local Electric Membership Corporation around the state. Some 1,500 high school students from 40 states gather in Washington, DC for an all-expense paid week in early June. Participants visit the historical sites they have studied about, learn about the rural electrification program and see U.S. Government in action. North Carolina has participated in the Youth Tour since 1967, and since then, about 1,000 young people have experienced this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Although learning is a major aspect of the trip, the fun of getting to know other teens from across the state and the nation is important. Many life-long friendships have been created on the Youth Tour. Every year Roanoke Electric Cooperative sponsors students from its service area to attend. To learn more about the youth tour, go to www.NCel
