The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, organized by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), has provided more than 1,500 high school juniors with the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C. each June since the 1960s. Students selected for this program are chosen by their home cooperatives and spend time in the Capitol learning about electric cooperatives, U.S. history, and government. Some of the most impactful aspects of the trip are meeting and engaging with representatives from the House and Senate. 

Due to scheduling conflicts with New York State Regents exams, students from New York historically could not participate in the national Youth Tour. To ensure their students had access to similar experiences, the four New York State cooperatives developed an innovative solution: a hybrid Youth Tour integrated into their annual Legislative Rally held in late spring. Sponsored by the NRECA, the Legislative Rally is the nation's second-largest grassroots lobbying event, surpassed only by the AARP. With representatives from 48 states and more than 800 cooperatives in attendance, the four New York cooperatives send CEOs, directors, and student delegates to Washington, D.C. to advocate for issues vital to rural electric cooperatives and upstate New Yorkers. 

During the rally, New York’s student delegates not only witness government in action but also explore historical landmarks, museums, and memorials, with opportunities to attend a Washington Nationals baseball game or a performance at Ford’s Theatre. This fully funded trip has provided an invaluable experience to New York students for more than 20 years. 

Following the Youth Tour/Legislative Rally, one student from each state is selected for the prestigious Youth Leadership Council (YLC), serving a year-long term. This honor carries great responsibility and offers students a unique opportunity to further develop their leadership skills.