Every year, Union Power and other electric cooperatives across the country offer high school juniors the chance to participate in this educational experience. This weeklong trip provides students a chance to tour the nation’s capital, explore American history, and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of civic engagement. These students also attend networking events, visit historic landmarks, and meet elected officials.

“Being a Youth Tour participant strengthened my understanding of public service. I learned so much more about electric cooperatives…”

This year, Union County students Gloria Gao, Aditi Rajesh, and Benjamin Green represented Union Power alongside 40 other North Carolina cooperative students. Together, these young leaders joined more than 1,800 students from across the country. “Being a Youth Tour participant strengthened my understanding of public service. I learned so much more about electric cooperatives and their not-for-profit business model. Seeing the electric cooperatives’ business model come to life through the beginning of the trip, helped me realize the importance of businesses serving their communities,” said Gloria.

This trip significantly impacted the leadership and communication skills of all three students. We are proud to offer programs such as the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour that gives high school juniors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the nation’s capital and learn more about American history