PRECO Washington, D.C., Youth Tour Inspires Local Young Leaders

Posted: July 7, 2017 at 7:00 am

What do 1,800 high school students, our nation’s capital and electric cooperatives have in common? The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour.

Youth Tour was established with one thought in mind – to inspire our next generation of leaders. Since 1964, more than 50,000 young Americans have taken advantage of this special opportunity offered by their electric cooperative. Each year, Peace River Electric Cooperative (PRECO) sends two local students to Washington, D.C., for the trip of a lifetime, all-expenses-paid.

Kevi Brown and Abby Hamm, rising 12th graders, were selected by PRECO to attend the weeklong trip in June. To apply, students must complete an application, write an essay and attend a personal interview session.

Kevi, of Hardee High School, and Abby, of Palmetto High School, joined a tour group of 30 other students sponsored by Florida electric cooperatives as they toured. Along the way, they visited Arlington National Cemetery, the Capitol Building, Mount Vernon and the National Cathedral. The group also toured many war memorials, including the World War II, Korean and Vietnam memorials. Other sites included the Lincoln, Jefferson, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Franklin D. Roosevelt memorials. Students also visited the Smithsonian museums, enjoyed a dinner cruise on the Potomac and met with members of Congress on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), Arlington, VA, has coordinated Youth Tour for more than 50 years. Youth Tour educates young people about the history and development of rural electrification and promotes a better understanding of the value of electric cooperatives and their importance in the economic development of rural areas.

PRECO proudly gives back to the communities it serves by supporting local students in the Youth Tour program.