As proud supporters of local youth, Washington EMC is again preparing to sponsor a pair of high school students in the annual Washington Youth Tour.
The state’s eldest youth leadership program, the Washington Youth Tour found its origin following comments made by then-Senator Lyndon B. Johnson at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Annual Meeting in 1957.
“If one thing goes out of this meeting, I hope it will be sending youngsters to the national capitol where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents.”
The following summer, Texas Electric Cooperatives sent groups of young people to Washington,
D.C. to work in Senator Johnson’s office for the purpose of learning about government in action.
Now, more than 1,500 bright and motivated high school students from across the country participate in the event each year.
The first-class, all expenses paid experience includes a tour of our nation’s capital, meetings with state and national policymakers, and leadership training.
Washington Youth Tour participants often are able to visit the U.S. Capitol, Holocaust Museum, Smithsonian Institution, U.S. Supreme Court, White House, National Cathedral, Arlington Cemetery, and World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Lincoln, Jefferson, and FDR memorials. Students are also treated to a riverboat cruise on the Potomac.
Attendees participate in leadership building activities with other students from across the nation in gaining a better understanding of how our government works.
Last year, Washington EMC sponsored Chloe Bray and Trojan Stapleton – both of Wrightsville and the Johnson County High School.
Statewide, Georgia’s 37 membership cooperatives sent 112 delegates to D.C. for participation in the exclusive event.
To be eligible, students must attend a school in the Washington EMC service area and be a rising high school junior at the age of at least 16 years old by June 14, 2025.
The deadline to submit an application is Friday, January 17.
Students must complete the form and essay prompt found HERE.
Additionally, Washington EMC is also accepting applicants for the Walter Harrison Scholarship, which annually awards $1,000 to graduating seniors set to attend any accredited college or technical school in Georgia.
Named for one of Georgia’s true electric pioneers and state leaders, Georgia EMC’s have awarded more than $281,000 to youth in his honor since 1987.
In 2024, Melana Sellars of the Washington County High School received the scholarship from Washington EMC.
Grade point average, SAT scores, academic standing, and scholastic honors are considered when determining the recipient for the scholarship.
An application can be found HERE or at the Washington EMC home office.
Again, the deadline for submission is Friday, January 17.
