Power of Community

2024 Youth Tour Gives Wiregrass Students Exclusive Learning Experience

Every year, Wiregrass Electric Cooperative sponsors a group of local high school juniors for the Montgomery Youth Tour. This year, a committee chose 10 outstanding students to represent the WEC membership in a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Alabama’s state capital.

During the tour, the students met with other delegates from across the state. Their itinerary included visits to significant historical sites, participation in leadership workshops, and meetings with elected officials. Then, the group visited WEC’s headquarters for a roundtable discussion with state legislators and to experience the inner workings of our electric cooperative. As a bonus, each student received a $1,000 scholarship.

After an additional round of interviews, a committee selected two of these participants — Jason Mun, of Houston Academy, and Jeremiah Hall, of Houston County High School — to attend the Youth Tour this summer in Washington, D.C. This opportunity includes an additional $500 scholarship for each student.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association created the Youth Tour program in the 1950s to help high school students better understand American history and government. The program, later adapted by many states, also teaches delegates how electric cooperatives shape rural development.

Did You Know?

Since its inception, the Youth Tour has welcomed nearly 50,000 students from rural areas and small towns across the United States. Alumni of this prestigious program have achieved remarkable feats — including designing cutting-edge airplanes, leading major companies and serving in top government roles, including the U.S. Senate. It’s not uncommon to meet a former Youth Tour participant working as a congressional aide on Capitol Hill.

What’s more, many alumni continue to make significant contributions right here in the Wiregrass community!