About the Youth Tour
The Youth Tour is sponsored nationally by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and statewide by the Alabama Rural Electric Association. Each year, almost 2,000 outstanding high school students from across the nation visit their state and nation’s Capitols to develop leadership skills, to learn more about U.S. history and government, and to gain a personal understanding of their role as a citizen.
Baldwin EMC will provide each Youth Tour winner with a $750 nonrenewable scholarship. The award will be dispersed directly to the accredited school selected by the scholarship recipient, contingent upon and subject to the recipient graduating from high school and passing all required graduation exams.
Students will list the name of a teacher who has made a significant impact on them during high school on their application. Teachers of winning students will receive an award of $500 for educational classroom materials.
2025 Youth Tour Dates
Montgomery Youth Tour: March 11-13, 2025
Washington Youth Tour: June 16-22, 2025
2025 Application Process
The deadline for applications for the 2025 Youth Tour Scholarship has passed. Applications for the 2026 Youth Tour Scholarship will be available in the fall of 2025.
High school juniors with a minimum 2.5 GPA must complete the Youth Tour application, answer the provided essay question, and submit a resume that demonstrates leadership, extra-curricular/school activities, and community service. A panel of judges will interview the top finalists at the Baldwin EMC corporate office in Summerdale. Four students will be awarded trips to Montgomery, Alabama, and Washington, D.C., and a college scholarship.
Submit applications by email: cshanor@baldwinemc.com
Or by mail:
Caroline Shanor, Youth Tour Coordinator
Baldwin EMC
19600 Highway 59
Summerdale, AL 36580
Meet the 2025 Youth Tour Delegates
Avery Hassen
Fairhope High School
Avery is the daughter of Dave and Jill Hassen of Fairhope. Avery is an active student at Fairhope High School as a member of Key Club, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Spanish Club, and Mu Alpha Theta, contributing to both school and community initiatives. Through Key Club, Avery has participated in numerous volunteer efforts, including work at Prodisee Pantry, and various local events, demonstrating a passion for service. Avery plans to pursue a degree in architecture and is looking to visit colleges and universities this coming year.
Morgan Hewes
Daphne High School
Morgan is the daughter of Mark and Amy Hewes of Daphne. She is an active student at Daphne High School, involved in Project Outreach, the National Honor Society, First Priority, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, while also serving as the feature baton twirler for the marching band. Morgan is a member of Faith Family Fellowship Baptist Church and volunteers in its preschool ministry, tutors math, and teaches baton twirling. Her achievements include being Miss Mobile Bay’s Teen 2024 and winning the 2024 DYW Gulf Coast Spotlight Talent Showcase Senior Division. She plans to attend the University of South Alabama to earn a master’s degree in secondary education and become a high school math teacher.
Ella Sanders
Gulf Shores High School
Ella is the daughter of Marcus and Elizabeth Sanders of Gulf Shores. At Gulf Shores High School, Ella is a dedicated student and leader, previously serving as Founder and President of her school’s Debate Club (Grapevine Colleyville iUniversity Prep) and a member of the National Honor Society and ProStart Culinary Competition. She is the Head of Logistics for the Gulf Shores Junior City Council and has served as a childcare aide and home health aide. Ella plans to attend the University of Alabama Medical School to pursue a career as a pediatric surgeon.
Addison Vermeulen
Elberta High School
Addison is the daughter of Talitha and Joey Bowling of Summerdale. Addison is a dedicated student involved in the Elberta High School marching and symphonic bands, earning superior ratings. She is a historian of the National Science Honor Society and is a Psi Alpha National Honor Society member. Addison volunteers in church childcare and several community events. She plans to pursue a biology degree in preparation for medical school and a career in anesthesiology.