Experience the trip of a lifetime with Youth Tour!
How will you Make Your Mark?
Every generation leaves behind a legacy, footprints that shape the future. The Legislative Youth Tour is your chance to do the same. For over 60 years, electric cooperatives have sent high school juniors to Washington, D.C., to discover their voice, step into history and begin writing the story only they can tell.
This once-in-a lifetime experience isn't just about seeing the nation's capital. It's about preparing students to lead, to grow and to make their mark on the world.
What's in it for students?
The student-delegate from Steuben Rural Electric will join student-delegates from the other three New York State Electric Cooperatives in Washington, D.C., from April 26 - April 29, 2026. During this trip, students will:
- Develop leadership skills through hands-on experiences and workshops
- Strengthen their resumes with a nationally recognized program that stands out to colleges and employers
- Connect with peers, building friendships that last long after the trip
- Meet with elected officials and learn how governement impacts their communities
- Experience history up close by visiting world-class museums and monuments
- Learn about cooperatives and how they support rural communities across America
The best part? All expenses - travel, lodging, meals and program costs - are covered by Steuben Rural Electric Cooperative. The program is coordinated by New York State Electric Rural Cooperative Association (NYSERCA) and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).
Don't Let This Opportunity Pass By
Applications for Youth Tour will be open until 4:00pm on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. If you know a high school student who is ready to grow as a leader and take the next step in their journey, encourage them to apply today.
This is more than a trip - it's a chance to leave your mark.
Steuben Rural Electric Cooperative invites high school juniors to apply for the Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. from April 26 through April 29. The selected student delegate from Steuben Rural Electric will join three other New York State Electric Cooperative student-delegates in Washington, D.C. Together, they'll explore historic monuments and museums, meet with elected officials, and, most importantly, develop leadership skills, strengthen their resumes, and form lasting connections with other young leaders from across America. The student-delegates from each New York Cooperative will compete to represent the New York State Cooperatives in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, held in June each year.
To be considered, students must meet the following qualifications:
- Be in their junior (11th grade) year in school.
- Be a son/daughter of a member of Steuben Rural Electric Cooperative.
- Have at least a "B" average or better.
- Participate in extra-curricular activities and/or community service.
Applicants must complete and return the below documents to the Steuben Rural Electric Cooperative Office at 9 Wilson Avenue, Bath, NY 14810, c/o Kristen Cleveland or emailed to kcleveland@steubenrec.com by 4:00 pm on March 17, 2026, to become a qualifying applicant.
- Complete the Youth Tour Application Form.
- Complete the Youth Tour Essay - one-page typed essay describing yourself and what you hope to get out of participating in the Youth Tour.
- Letter of recommendation from a teacher or administrator from your school including your academic transcript showing your academic status.
- Copy of your family's SREC electric bill proving your membership in the Cooperative.
Note: Applicant's must be available to meet with the SREC General Manager and Board of Director's within one week's notice either in person or remotely.