Washington Youth Tour

Once a year Santee Electric Cooperative selects two high school juniors (rising seniors) to take part in the Washington Youth Tour. This is a six-day, all-expenses-paid educational trip to Washington, DC.

More than 1,000 high school students, all sponsored by electric cooperatives from throughout the United States, get a first-hand look at our government. Students gain a personal understanding of American history and their role as a citizen by meeting their Representative and Senators. While student groups are organized at the state level, they all come together for Youth Day, where they get to meet each other and hear featured speakers who provide insight to the important roles electric cooperatives play in their communities. Students will get to tour the sites of our nation’s capital.

The Washington Youth tour is scheduled for June 17-22, 2023. 

Cooperative Youth Summit

The Cooperative Youth Summit is for rising high school juniors and seniors. They will travel to South Carolina's capital for a week of learning about electric cooperatives and how co-ops work with state government to ensure South Carolinians have affordable, reliable and responsibly produced electricity.  Students are given a more in-depth look at electric cooperatives, as well as several historical sites in the capital city.

Listen to the 2022 Cooperative Youth Summit student's podcasts here. 

The Cooperative Youth Summit is scheduled for July 10-13, 2023. 

COVID-19

While we anticipate the Washington Youth Tour and Cooperative Youth Summit happening in 2022, circumstances related to COVID-19 may prevent one or both from safely taking place. In the event of cancellation, selected students will be offered the opportunity to attend the Virtual Youth Experience in July- a five day virtual leadership program that will connect students with state and federal leaders.