Electric Cooperative Youth Tour: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Parents

Who are we?

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) is the national service organization, based in Arlington, VA , dedicated to representing the national interests of cooperative electric utilities and the consumers they serve.

Who comes on the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour?

Nearly 1,500 students from 44 states participate in the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour program. For over 40 years, the Youth Tour has brought high school students to Washington, D.C., to learn how their government works and the importance of civic engagement

What does It cost?

Youth Tour participants are sponsored by their local electric cooperative. Yes, the trip is free for the students! However, they may want to bring some spending money for souvenirs.

Will my son/daughter be safe?

The safety and well-being of the students who take part in Youth Tour is our number one priority. Your son or daughter will be accounted for at all times, and will be supervised by several adult chaperones in his/her group. In addition to the chaperones traveling with each state group, NRECA staff is on-site, at the hotel, for the entire week of Youth Tour.

Curfew is 11 p.m. each evening and is strictly enforced. Chaperones traveling with your son/daughter's state will ensure that all students are in their assigned rooms. Further, professional security guards are on duty, on every hotel floor from 10:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. to ensure maximum safety. For more information, see the Rules and Guidelines in the “Students” section of this site.

Are medical professionals on-site?

Yes. NRECA contracts with two full-time nurses who have over 60 years of emergency room and trauma experience. The nurses are on-site and are available 24 hours a day throughout the week.