In June, five local high school students had the opportunity to represent South Plains Electric Cooperative in Washington, D.C., on the Youth Tour. Now, local students have the same opportunity to experience this trip of a lifetime in 2025.

The Youth Tour brings more than 1,600 high school students to Washington, D.C., every year, and has since the early 1960s. More than 40,000 students from rural areas and small towns all over America have participated in this unique program. The students representing SPEC join about 150 other Texas youth before heading out to Washington. The Texas contingency will be part of more than 1,600 young adults from across the nation participating in the annual Youth Tour. Since 1965, South Plains Electric Cooperative has sent 255 students on this trip of a lifetime.

Students on the tour learn about electric cooperatives, American history and U.S. government. They visit with their Congressional representatives, see the sights around Washington, D.C., and more!

Eligible high school juniors and seniors in our service territory are able to apply for this all-expenses-paid trip. Contest details, eligibility requirements and the application can be found online.

Four students will be selected for the trip and will also receive a $1,000 scholarship from Operation Round Up.

The deadline to apply is January 3, 2025.

Click here for more information on Youth Tour.