Nearly 45 high school students from North Carolina attend the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour each year.

Each year the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour takes high school students from across the country on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington, D.C.

The Youth Tour allows students to experience our nation’s capital and learn more about how they can make a difference as young adults. Tourists will learn about the cooperative business model, visit historic monuments and memorials, pay their respects at the Arlington National Cemetery, meet elected officials and tour a variety of Smithsonian museums, all while building a peer network with young leaders from across the country.

In 2019, BEMC awarded scholarships to two local students to attend the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour for the first time in many years. Bailey Smith, a student at North Brunswick High School, and Treasure Spaulding, of East Columbus High School, enjoyed the time they spent in our nation’s capital.

Treasure Spaulding, left, and Bailey Smith, right.

“This trip made government and history come alive,” Bailey said. “I have taken history and government courses in high school and at the college level, but this trip was like the perfect finale for my courses. The Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Hill, and meeting with political officials are memories that cannot be replaced.  Studying history is important, but actually visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier evokes emotions that a textbook could never provoke. I would absolutely recommend this trip to other high school students!”

Treasure added, “The trip was amazing! I was nervous going since I didn’t know anybody there, but everyone bonded really quickly. I enjoyed seeing historical monuments and getting to meet the senators. I made so many new friends that I still keep in touch with, and had some great experiences.”

Brunswick Electric will send two local students on the Tour in June 2020. The all-expense-paid, weeklong trip is hosted by electric cooperatives nationwide and is a tradition more than 50 years strong. Nearly 1,800 students from more than 40 states are expected to participate in 2020, and North Carolina’s electric cooperatives will send a delegation of more than 45 students.

Rising juniors and seniors in Brunswick and Columbus county schools are encouraged to apply for this exciting trip. They must have a 3.0 GPA and live in a home served by BEMC. A 500-word essay is required as part of the application process. Applications can be found at bemc.org and must be submitted by January 15, 2020.