Youth Tour
Baldwin EMC sponsors several students from Baldwin County high schools for an all expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. as a part of the Youth Tour. The Youth Tour program is sponsored by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), which brings hundreds of high school juniors to Washington, D.C. each year for an exciting week of educational activities, tours and fun.
The participants are chosen during an application and interview process each spring, coordinated through the local high schools. The contest is open to all 11th grade students attending school in Baldwin County. For more information about the Youth Tour Program, contact the 11th grade counselor at your high school, call our Member Services Department, or visit the Youth Tour Web site. Applications will be available Fall 2010 for Youth Tour 2011.
HISTORY OF THE YOUTH TOUR
The purpose of the Youth Tour is to educate young people on all aspects of rural electrification in order to promote a better understanding of the value of rural electric cooperatives. It also provides an opportunity for young people to visit historic monuments, government buildings and cooperative-related organizations in order to become familiar with the historical and political environment of the nation's capital. Youth Tour also provides an opportunity for young people to meet elected officials in order to better understand how their federal and state governments work.
YOUTH TOUR TO WASHINGTON
The Annual Rural Electric Youth Tour to Washington D.C. is held each year during June. After arriving in Washington, D.C. touring students have very little time to rest - there's too much to do! Some of the places students tour include the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court, the Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and the National Cathedral. But not all of their time is spent touring. Students are also given an opportunity to meet Alabama's Congressional Delegation and chat with their elected officials, usually over a meal in the Senate or House office complex.
NRECA
The students will spend time at the Headquarters of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), where they will gain an insider's understanding of the rural electric program.
YOUTH DAY
One half day is spent with more than 1,500 other touring students, listening to well known speakers and representatives of National Agricultural Policy - people like the Secretary of Agriculture and the current NRECA president.
THE ENERGY BATTLE
During Youth Day, one student from each state will participate in The Annual Energy Battle, the "College Bowl" of Rural Electrification. Four teams of students will answer a battery of fast-paced questions about Rural Electrification and Energy, with the winning team carrying home a prize.
YOUTH CONSULTING BOARD
The YCB is a policy-making body of students, each state participating in the tour has one representative. Depending on committee assignment, each YCB member takes part in additional trips and NRECA activities.
PHOTO GALLERY
Check out the photo gallery from our previous adventures with the Youth Tour! Maybe you'll see somebody you know!