Each year, Santee Electric Cooperative, Inc. selects three high school students to represent the co-op as delegates for the Washington Youth Tour.

In the summer before their senior year, these lucky students join hundreds of others from across the country - all-expenses paid - to network and learn about our nation's capital. The tour is a fast-paced leadership opportunity to see what makes America tick.

Rising seniors compete in written application, interview and co-op knowledge.

Teachers are also allowed to apply chaperone the trip. 

The Washington Youth Tour, sponsored nationally by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and statewide by Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina (ECSC), is a jam-packed backstage pass to Washington, D.C.

It offers rising high school seniors - students currently juniors - an unforgettable leadership experience in our nation's capital. It's free!

Since 1965, the Washington Youth Tour has given more than 40,000 students nationwide the opportunity to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The program was initially implemented at the request of President Lyndon Johnson to 'send youngsters to the nation's capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents.'

Find out more information on the Youth Tour

Please note the dates of Youth Tour will conflict with Girls/Boys State this year. Applicants will not be able to attend both as in the past. 

Deadline to apply for the 2017 tour, is February 24, 2017