Don’t miss your chance

Illinois’ electric cooperatives are invested in youth education and engagement programs throughout their communities. High school students with a passion for leadership and government are encouraged to contact their electric cooperative to apply for an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. in June.

Electric cooperatives will bring youth to Springfield to participate in the Illinois Electric and Telephone Cooperative’s Youth Day on April 18, 2018.

While in Springfield, students tour the State Capitol ­complex, meet with legislators, visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Old State Capitol, and attend a luncheon. The participants are then given the opportunity to interview for the chance to go to Washington, D.C.

The Youth to Washington Tour is a nationwide ­cooperative effort to help students learn about electric cooperatives, American history and U.S. government, and walk away with a better understanding of their role as an American citizen. For more than 50 years, cooperatives have been participating in this annual event. Students will gather with over 1,800 high school students from across the country for the annual tour. They will have the opportunity to meet with their U.S. representatives and ­senators and explore the capitol. The weeklong tour also gives attendees the chance to see a wide variety of monuments and museums.

Interested students should contact their local electric or telephone cooperative for more information.