Youth Tour contest open to high school juniors

About the trip

Youth Tour offers high school juniors a week-long, all-expenses-paid educational trip to Washington, D.C. in June of each year. Four deserving students travel with the Oklahoma delegation (70+ students) to our nation’s capital where they tour historic sites and national landmarks, meet Oklahoma’s congressional delegation and more.

Currently, the Youth Tour trip is scheduled for June 13-19, 2026. Dates are estimated based on past years and are subject to change. OEC will follow the guidance of the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives (OAEC) and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) to determine the final schedule and details of the trip.

Contest Summary

8 applicants will submit an essay or written speech on the topic outlined below.

4 applicants will be selected as finalists to progress in the contest winners will be selected following their live presentations January 9

The Topic

Over 80 years ago, America’s farmers and rural citizens joined together to bring electricity to their communities — communities which the for-profit companies refused to serve. As a result, they improved the quality of life for rural Americans by satisfying an unmet need.

Write a speech on Powering My Day: How My Electric Cooperative Fuels My Life, focusing on the ways your electric co-op impacts your everyday life.

Essay Or Speech

Put your thoughts into words — either essay or speech format. Ensure it's 750-900 words and double-spaced. Deadline to enter is November 1.

Online Entry Form

Submit your essay through the online entry form. Be prepared to include information about honors and awards, positions/offices held, community involvement and special interests.

Apply at https://form.jotform. com/252175986360162

Speech Workshop

Eight finalists are required to attend a half-day speech workshop to be held Saturday, November 21, 2025. There, they will learn techniques to hone their speech craft and visual presentation skills as well as co-op information.

Live Presentation

Finalists will present their speech live before three judges on Friday, January 9, 2025, at a banquet held at OEC's headquarters.

In this contest, judges look for each applicant's power of persuasion – first in writing and then in oration.

Apply now at https://form.jotform. com/252175986360162

Questions?

Contact Community Outreach

Associate Carrie Koesler at 2176726 or carrie.koesler@okcoop.org.