By Katie Deller
At first glance, Youth Tour might look like a typical group of high school students taking a trip to Washington, D.C. But ask the students who have experienced it, and many will tell you it is much more than that. For rural teens from all walks of life, Youth Tour can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see new places, meet new people, use their voice, and discover what they are capable of.
More Than a Trip to Washington
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) hosts the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for high school students served by rural electric cooperatives across the country. Each June, Michigan’s rural electric cooperatives send about 20 student delegates and five chaperones to participate. Over the course of the week, delegates visit national landmarks, tour museums, meet with elected officials, participate in leadership activities, build friendships with others from across Michigan and the nation, and learn more about the important role rural electric cooperatives play in their communities.
Finding Their Voice on Capitol Hill
One of the most memorable parts of the trip is Capitol Hill Day. Delegates not only tour the Capitol building, but they also have the chance to speak directly with elected officials and their staff while advocating for the issues that matter to them and their communities. During the 2026 Youth Tour, several Michigan delegates shared personal stories that reflected both the challenges and the resilience found in rural Michigan. Erica Jones, a delegate from Cherryland Electric Cooperative, said, “I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to speak to representatives about issues important to me and my community.” Katie Deller, Youth Tour director, added, “It’s amazing to see the delegates realize how much their voices matter.”
A Moment They’ll Never Forget
Another powerful moment comes at Arlington National Cemetery during the changing of the guard ceremony. For many delegates, the experience is quiet, meaningful, and unforgettable. This year, that moment became even more significant when four Michigan Youth Tour delegates were selected to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Strangers at the Start, Friends by the End
While the official itinerary is full, many delegates say the friendships they make are some of the best and most unexpected parts of the trip. Payton Latvala, a delegate from Alger Delta Electric Cooperative Association, said, “The new friendships made the trip.” Those connections are intentional. Deller prioritizes creating space for delegates to get to know one another and find common ground. “It always impresses me the connections that are made when the delegates realize they are more alike than different,” she said.
Discovering What They’re Capable Of
That is what makes Youth Tour so meaningful. It is not only about where the delegates go, but who they become along the way. The program gives rural students—whether they are outgoing, quiet, experienced travelers, or leaving home for the first time—a safe and encouraging place to stretch themselves. For one delegate, growth might mean boarding an airplane for the first time. For another, it might mean giving a speech, trying something unfamiliar, asking a question in a room full of leaders, or realizing they have something important to say. Addison Engels, a delegate from Wolverine Power Cooperative, shared that since attending Youth Tour, “I’ve found it much easier to talk to people; when I’m out of my comfort zone, it doesn’t feel as hard anymore.” To Deller, that is what Youth Tour is all about: helping students take those first steps on a lifelong journey of confidence, growth, and leadership.
