The application period for the 2027 Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., is now open as of Oct. 1. Wake Electric is selecting two students to represent the co-op at next summer’s Youth Tour from June 17-23. Interested applicants should apply online at wemc.com/youthtour by Dec. 15.

Be one of the 40-plus outstanding high school students selected from electric cooperatives across the state to travel to our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. During the weeklong trip, students will network with peers from across the country, meet members of Congress, visit national museums and historic landmarks, and grow in confidence and friendships. Students will learn about electric cooperatives and help run their own co-op, putting cooperative principles into practice.

As part of the Youth Tour experience, participants will have the opportunity to win one of three scholarships, including the prestigious Youth Leadership Council (YLC) Scholarship. In addition to the scholarship, the YLC designee will represent the state of North Carolina in an elite leadership-building program and on a national stage at the 2026 national annual meeting of electric cooperatives. Visit wemc.com/youthtour to learn more and apply.

What’s Youth Tour Really Like?

Hear firsthand from last year’s Youth Tour participants on The Co-op Current as they share their favorite moments from Washington, D.C. Watch or listen to the episode at wemc.com/podcast.