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
Click here to download the 2025 Youth Tour Scholarship application. The application deadline is Monday, November 18, 2024.
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: casmith@baldwinemc.com
Or by mail:
Caroline Smith, Youth Tour Coordinator
Baldwin EMC
19600 Highway 59
Summerdale, AL 36580
Meet the 2024 Youth Tour Delegates
Claire Colvin
Gulf Shores High School
Claire is the daughter of Clint and Asha Colvin of Gulf Shores. She is Vice President of Gulf Shores High School’s International Club and Computer Science Club. She is a member of the National Honor Society, GSHS Student Ambassadors, and the ACT 30+ Club. She serves as the junior representative for the Applied Design College Preparatory Program at GSHS and is a Varsity Scholar’s Bowl team member. Claire plays volleyball through GSHS, PIVC Indoor, and Beach Club teams. She works and volunteers at the Holy Spirit Episcopal Church and Day School. After high school, Claire plans to attend college in pursuit of an engineering degree.
Skylar Gant
Gulf Shores High School
Skylar is the daughter of David and Beate Gant of Gulf Shores. She is a member of the Gulf Shores Sports Medicine Program, a Student Trainer, and plays Varsity Basketball at Gulf Shores High School. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). After high school, Skylar plans to attend the University of South Alabama next fall to pursue her career in radiology.
Luke Garrett
Baldwin County High School
Luke is the son of Michelle and David Garrett of Bay Minette. He serves as Baldwin County High School FFA President and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is a BCHS golf and swim team member and volunteers in the Children’s Department and Media Team at Crossroads Church of God. Luke plans to attend Texas A&M and pursue a degree in Animal Science after graduation.
Ethan Parker
Snook Christian Academy
Ethan is the son of Rachael and Shane Parker of Summerdale. He serves as Secretary of the Snook Christian Academy Student Government Association, Captain of the football team, and member of the National Honor Society, varsity baseball team, and Robertsdale Church of Christ Youth Group. Ethan is currently enrolled in Coastal Alabama Community College Building Maintenance Program with plans to pursue a degree in business entrepreneurship after graduation.