Local Students Represent Wake Electric on Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.

Two local high school students recently returned from the trip of a lifetime—the Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., sponsored by North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. These students were selected and sponsored by Wake Electric to spend a week in our nation’s capital, with all expenses covered, as part of a program that brings together outstanding rising seniors from across the country.

Aimee Kim, from Wake Forest, and Isabella Scholar, from Clayton, joined over 1,400 other students representing electric co-ops nationwide. Together, they explored American history, learned about the role of electric cooperatives in our communities, and got a firsthand look at how our government works. Their days were filled with visits to iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Senate, leadership activities, and plenty of chances to connect with other students from across the state and country.

“Meeting other students helped shape my experience by being able to hear new perspectives and viewpoints on a variety of discussions. I would say to another student to definitely apply to Youth Tour, that if you are interested in visiting Washington D.C. this is a great opportunity to be able to do so,” said Isabella Sholar of Clayton, one of the two students chosen to represent Wake Electric on this year’s Youth Tour.

Each student who participates in the Youth Tour also receives a $1,000 scholarship to use at any North Carolina college, university, community college, or technical school after graduation. They’re also eligible to apply for additional scholarships—including the $2,500 Gwyn B. Prince Youth Scholarship, the $2,000 Katie Bunch Memorial Scholarship, and the $2,000 Youth Leadership Council Scholarship.

This kind of opportunity is made possible through the generosity of Wake Electric members who contribute to the WECare Foundation via our Operation RoundUp program. When members choose to round up their electric bill each month to the nearest dollar, those extra cents add up to make a real difference—funding scholarships, classroom grants, and programs like the Youth Tour that open doors for young people in our communities.

Applications for the 2026 Youth Tour open on October 1. If you know a rising senior with a passion for leadership, service, or government—or if you are one—keep an eye on our website this fall for full details.