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YOUTH TOUR TO WASHINGTON D.C.

Hill County Electric is sending two outstanding students on a once-in-a-lifetime, all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C.! If you’re a current high school sophomore or junior and a dependent of an HCE member, you’re eligible for this incredible opportunity.

Each summer, Hill County Electric joins other Montana electric cooperatives to send students to our nation’s capital as part of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) Youth Tour. This fully funded experience includes airfare, hotel, luggage fees, and meals. Join more than 1,500 students from across the country for an unforgettable week in Washington, D.C.!

TOUR DATES
June 13-20, 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE
Dec 1st

Download Resource Guide

What’s the Youth Tour?

The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour is more than a sightseeing trip. It’s a chance to:

  • Meet with Montana’s congressional delegation and see how our government works up close.
  • Tour historic sites and national monuments, including the Smithsonian museums, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Capitol.
  • Connect with other students from across Montana and the U.S. through special leadership events like Youth Day, where students hear from inspiring speakers and learn about the role of cooperatives in their communities.
  • Experience a week filled with history, leadership, and lifelong friendships.

Since 1957, nearly 100,000 students nationwide have taken part in this program. Many alumni say it was a turning point in their lives, inspiring future careers in leadership, public service, and business.

HOW TO APPLY

  1. Complete the electronic form below.
  2. Include your written essay on the topic: All cooperatives share a concern for their communities. Write about how your local cooperative supports your community or detail new ways they could get involved.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

  1. The student must be a junior or senior in high school in the next school year.  (Currently a sophomore or junior).
  2. Student cannot be a prior winner of the youth tour.
  3. The student and/or parent or guardian must be served by Hill County Electric.

APPLICATION

Terms and Conditions
I will be a high school junior or senior in the fall of the current year and my parent(s)/guardian(s) are receiving electrical service from Hill County Electric Cooperative. I understand that I am required to submit an essay on the assigned topic.  I have read and understand that my application and essay are to be submitted to Hill County Electric Cooperative no later than the posted deadline or I will not be considered for the Scholarship. I authorize Hill County Electric Cooperative to use the above information along with photos of me for publicity purposes of the sponsoring cooperative and Montana Electric Cooperatives’ Association. I understand that if I am selected to represent Hill County Electric Cooperative and, for some unforeseen reason, I am not able to attend the Youth Tour, I must notify Hill County Electric Cooperative immediately so that an alternate may make the trip to Washington D.C.