The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) made the decision to cancel the 2020 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour (also known as the Washington Youth Tour) amid concerns over COVID-19. For over 50 years, teens from rural America have been coming to Washington, D.C. on the “trip of a lifetime,” courtesy of Tri-County Electric and other local cooperatives, their state association, and NRECA.
In the statement regarding their decision, NRECA said “over the years, these delegates have toured some of the finest museums in the world and visited America’s most historic monuments. They have met with their elected officials and explored Capitol Hill. They have learned about the impact electric cooperatives have on their communities as well as how programs like NRECA International are impacting lives around the world. And each year, roughly 2,000 delegates and staff make an impact on Washington, D.C.”
“While we are disappointed this year’s students will not have the opportunity to experience the learning, fun and fellowship the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour provides, we agree that NRECA made the correct decision” said Paul Thompson, Executive V.P. & General Manager. “In an effort to still have a positive impact on our four short story winners, Tri-County Electric provided each with a $1,000 scholarship. Hopefully the youth tour will resume in 2021.”
Tri-County Electric’s 2020 Electric Youth Tour Winners:
Bella Briggs, Clay County High School – overall winner & nominee for TECA scholarship
Kylee Mendes, Red Boiling Spring High School
Annika Reed, Metcalfe County High School
Hayden Strong, Clay County High School
