Youth Tour

San Bernard Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Government-in-Action Youth Tour
Memories of an all-expense-paid week in Washington, D.C., can last a lifetime for Texas high school students

For high school students who grow up in rural Texas, visiting a place like Washington, D.C., might sound like a far-away dream. But every year, more than 100 such students are given the opportunity to travel to the capital for an intensive week-long tour—and it doesn't cost them a dime.

In June, the Government-in-Action Youth Tour, sponsored by the state's electric cooperatives in conjunction with Texas Electric Cooperatives and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, sends select students on an all-expense-paid trip to the nation's capital. In Washington, tour participants get to see with their own eyes sights they may have only experienced in history books or on television. 

In addition to visiting monuments, museums, and historical sites that would be a part of any standard tour of the capital, the students also fulfill the ambition of then-U.S. Sen. Lyndon Johnson, who inspired the Youth Tour with his desire expressed in 1957 for young people to "actually see what the flag stands for and represents."

Tour participants get to meet their members of Congress, hear inspirational speakers, and interact with other Youth Tour participants from across the country. Texas' students also have the chance to participate in the wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, visit the Supreme Court, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives' chambers, and the Library of Congress.

After the intense week on the go—traveling, eating, and touring together—many of the Youth Tour participants form fast friendships that continue after they return home. Inspired by their trip, some Youth Tour alumni have gone on to enter public service. And almost to a person, those who have gone on the Youth Tour have called it "the trip of a lifetime."

APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022. 

Recently, due to a surge in coronavirus cases, it is now a requirement for anyone over the age of 12 to show proof of vaccination to enter many of the venues in the D.C. area. There are also new restrictions on access to many of the venues that are part of the weeklong trip. Preparation for Youth Tour requires months of planning, and decisions often need to be made well in advance. San Bernard EC is currently working with state and national Youth Tour stakeholders to evaluate the situation and make decisions about next steps. Because the situation is evolving, San Bernard EC is extending the deadline for this year’s Youth Tour contest to Thursday, January 27, 2022. The situation remains fluid, and we will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.  You can read more about the 2022 Washington D.C. requirements below. 

To apply for the 2022 Government-In-Action Youth Tour you must: 

•    The winner must be able to participate in the Youth Tour trip to Washington, D.C. on June 12-21, 2022.
•    You must have completed your sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school by June 2022.
•    Live in the home of parent(s) or legal guardian(s) who is a current San Bernard member and whose primary residence is in San Bernard’s Service Territory.
•    Submit a completed application form, two short essays, a high-resolution digital photo, and one original letter of recommendation to SBEC postmarked or emailed no later than midnight on January 17, 2022 Thursday, January 27, 2021. 
•    Past Winners are not eligible.
•    Attend orientation and interview on Monday, February 14, 2022, at 6 pm at the Bellville SBEC Office; 309 West Main, Bellville, Texas 77418.

APPLICATION FOR 2022 YOUTH TOUR CAN BE FOUND HERE.