Discover America's Capital:

The Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. is scheduled for June 15-21, 2025. This incredible opportunity invites as many as 1,800 high school students from across the nation to explore the heart of America – its capital. Electric cooperatives, dedicated to empowering rural communities, sponsor these students to educate and inspire America's future leaders.

Unlock New Horizons:

Participating in the Youth Tour is not just a trip; it's a transformative experience! This week-long adventure allows you to:

• Learn about the rich history of the United States
• Develop essential leadership skills
• Gain a deeper understanding of the significance of electric cooperatives in rural community development
• Forge lasting friendships that will extend beyond the trip

Essay Contest Guidelines:

If you wish to embark on this extraordinary journey, here are the essay contest guidelines:

• You must be a high school sophomore or junior.
• Both you and your parents or guardian should be served by KEM Electric Cooperative, Inc.
• Compose an essay on the topic: "Why is it important to be involved in your community, and how does that prepare you to be a future leader?"
• The essay must not exceed two standard 8.5” x 11” typewritten, double-spaced pages.
• Submit your essay in hard copy or electronic format to KEM Electric by January 17, 2025.
• If submitting electronically, e-mail your entry to Marcy Sanders at msanders@kemelectric.com. Please ensure it adheres to the two-page, double-spaced guideline.
• Include a cover page with essential details: your name, date of birth, school and grade in 2024, parent or guardian's name, address, and telephone number.
• Rest assured, your essays will be evaluated by impartial, qualified judges, who will select the winner based on merit.