Pee Dee Electric

What's it all about?
The Rural Electric Youth Tour is an annual event coordinated by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and the NC Association of Electric Cooperatives.

Some 1,200 high school students from 40 states converge on Washington, DC for an all-expense paid week in early June. They see the historic sights they have studied about, learn the rural electrification program and see their government in action. For more than 30 years, NC has participated in the Youth Tour. Over 1,000 young people have experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In 1985, the need for a "Soda-Pop Co-op" arose because of high prices for soft drinks in the DC area. By 1986, the co-op was a part of the tour-complete with a board of directors, a manager, and at the end of the week, a return of capital credits. Learning is a major aspect of the trip and the fun of getting to know so many other teens from across the state and the nation is just as important.

Selection Procedure
Rising seniors can obtain an application from their local co-op. The form consists of general questions and a 250 word essay concerning electric power or electric cooperatives. A list of topics are found in the application and you can choose 1. The winners are chosen by a panel of judges. A personal interview may be included in the judging process.

Download a Youth Tour Application.
Youth Tour Videos
Electric Coop and Youth Program : Empowering Youth