What do 1,500 high school students, our nation’s capital, and electric cooperatives have in common? The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, of course!

Since 1964, Youth Tour was established with one thought in mind—to inspire our next generation of leaders. It all takes place in June, when hundreds of electric co-ops across the country send participants to Washington, D.C., for a chance to learn about the cooperative business model and a full week of sightseeing.

While in D.C., participants have a chance to meet with their elected officials and discuss the issues that are important back home. Without a doubt, Youth Tour has grown into an invaluable program that gives young Americans an experience that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

In the next few months, Cherryland will begin the interview process to select local students to attend Youth Tour 2016. If you are a high school junior interested in traveling to Washington, D.C., to experience the trip of a lifetime, please contact Cherryland for more information.

Youth Tour is so much more than a sightseeing trip. Students have repeatedly shared that this experience has helped them grow into successful professionals. It has also benefited our local communities. Youth Tour participants return home with a deeper understanding and skill set of what it takes to be leader, and as a result, they put these skills to use right here in our community.

Help us find the next generation of leaders by sharing the Youth Tour experience with a promising student. For more information about Cherryland’s Youth Tour program, call 231-486-9200 or visit miYLS.com.