PIKE COUNTY, Mo. — Students from across Missouri, including those from the Cuivre River Electric Cooperative service area, will be transcending on Washington, D.C., once again this summer as part of the Missouri Youth Tour program.

2023 marks the 60th year Missouri electric cooperatives has participated in the program, of which CREC has sent over 200 delegates to our nation’s capital since that time.

This summer, CREC will sponsor and send six delegates who will be among dozens from Missouri and hundreds from across the nation to spend a week in the nation’s capital. The Youth Tour trip is planned for June 12-18, 2023.

The seven-day tour provides an action-filled week for high school students, offering them opportunities to learn firsthand what it is like to be involved in politics, leadership positions, community service and today’s pressing issues.

Among the highlights is touring famous monuments, the Smithsonian Institution’s museums and Arlington National Cemetery. Delegates will also have an opportunity to visit with legislators from their congressional districts.

“The Youth Tour is the highlight of the summer for many students and we’re proud to send our best and brightest to our nation’s capital to participate,” said Chris Massman, vice president of member services for the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives.

The local Youth Tour program consists of an essay contest open only to high school juniors who live and attend school in CREC’s general service area, or who have CREC service to their homes. The 2023 essay theme is “My Favorite Cooperative Principle.” Entry forms are available at local high schools or online at cuivre.com. The deadline to enter is Friday, March 10.

Entries remain anonymous during preliminary judging by CREC staff. The 12 top-scoring essays are selected as finalists and will attend the final competition scheduled for Wednesday, April 5.

The top six finalists will be selected as Youth Tour delegates and earn the trip to D.C. The other six finalists will receive $500 scholarships. CREC fully funds the Youth Tour program. There is no cost to students or families.

Teachers who support the Youth Tour program and submit at least 10 student entries receive a $50 classroom grant from CREC.

For more information on the Youth Tour program, contact Tim Schmidt at 636-695-4837 or tschmidt@cuivre.com.

Cuivre River Electric Cooperative is the largest member-owned electric distribution cooperative in Missouri. It provides service to more than 70,000 residential, business, commercial, industrial and agricultural members in Lincoln, Pike, St. Charles, Warren and Montgomery counties.