Iowa Youth Tour

Iowa Youth Tour Youth Tour is a program that brings high school students to Washington, D.C. every June. government. citizens might never get a chance to see or meet in person.

Approximately 30 participants — generally high school students that are currently juniors or seniors will be chosen by local electric cooperatives from across the state of Iowa. They’ll be joined by approximately 1,700 other participants from around the country. Students on the tour learn about electric cooperatives, American history and U.S. They visit with their representatives in the House and

the Senate, and see the sights around Washington, D.C. Students are selected for this program by their local electric cooperative through the overall strength of the applicant. If you want to join this Washington tradition, contact your local rural electric cooperative or high school career center for additional information. During this interesting, fast-paced week in the Capitol of the free world, you’ll become acquainted with the many facets of the federal government, gain a better understanding of the important role rural electric cooperatives have in policy development in Washington, D.C., and make many new friends. We’re proud to have you represent Iowa’s electric cooperatives, and I hope you enjoy seeing famous historical sites and meeting prominent people that many Iowans and U.S.

Youth Tour Pro Tip!
06/10/2026

Youth Tour Pro Tip!

During Youth Tour it's going to be warm, and we will be on the move the entire trip, so get a head start now. Want to ta...
06/09/2026

During Youth Tour it's going to be warm, and we will be on the move the entire trip, so get a head start now. Want to take on a challenge? In the three days leading up to our departure, aim to drink a gallon of water each day.

Arriving hydrated and well-rested is the best way to kick off an unforgettable Youth Tour experience.

06/08/2026

Bring your best and represent Iowa well.Daily: Youth Tour shirt (provided), jeans, longer shorts, skirts, or capris. Kee...
06/07/2026

Bring your best and represent Iowa well.
Daily: Youth Tour shirt (provided), jeans, longer shorts, skirts, or capris. Keep it neat and appropriate.
Capitol Hill Day: Polo (provided) + khakis or a nice skirt/shorts.
Evenings: Light jacket or sweater.
Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
You’ll walk a lot, so start breaking in those shoes now.

Youth Tour packing pro tip!
06/06/2026

Youth Tour packing pro tip!

Meet Clayton—one of our Youth Tour fan favorites!By day, he’s a nurse practitioner. For one special week each year, we’r...
06/05/2026

Meet Clayton—one of our Youth Tour fan favorites!

By day, he’s a nurse practitioner. For one special week each year, we’re lucky enough to have him join Youth Tour, where he helps keep our students supported and thriving along the journey.

Clayton’s Youth Tour story goes way back—this marks his 7th trip! He first experienced it as a high school student in 2012, returned as an intern in 2019, and now comes back year after year as a chaperone with a medical background. Safe to say, he knows this trip inside and out.

When it comes to favorite stops, Clayton says Arlington National Cemetery never loses its impact, especially the changing of the guard. And on a lighter note, Ben’s Chili Bowl is always high on his list—half-smoke included.

His first job? Washing dishes at a local restaurant… and fun fact, he still doesn’t mind doing dishes today.

If he could outlaw one thing, it would be overreacting to every little situation. His take: sometimes things really aren’t as serious as we make them.

Snack of choice? Chips and queso. Always a solid pick.

And if he had to listen to just one song for the rest of his life? Well… he’d rather not. Clayton says that sounds more like torture than a benefit—and honestly, we get it.

We’re grateful to have Clayton back again this year—bringing experience, calm energy, and just the right perspective to the Youth Tour crew.

BONUS TIP! YT EditionYouth Tour shirtNice jeans, shorts, capris, or skirtsCOMFY walking shoes
06/04/2026

BONUS TIP! YT Edition

Youth Tour shirt
Nice jeans, shorts, capris, or skirts
COMFY walking shoes

Tour Tip #7: Hotel Rules = Happy Rooms!Respect roommates, keep noise down, and be in your room by curfew. Room checks h...
06/02/2026

Tour Tip #7: Hotel Rules = Happy Rooms!
Respect roommates, keep noise down, and be in your room by curfew. Room checks happen nightly, and quiet time helps everyone recharge.

Bonus tip!
05/29/2026

Bonus tip!

Meet Tristian!We’re excited to welcome Tristian back to Youth Tour—this time as our Youth Tour Intern. He went on Youth ...
05/28/2026

Meet Tristian!

We’re excited to welcome Tristian back to Youth Tour—this time as our Youth Tour Intern. He went on Youth Tour a few years ago and is returning this year in a leadersihp role. Tristian is also a student at Simpson College, bringing great energy and teamwork to the group.

Here’s a little fun get-to-know-you with Tristian:

Youth Tours attended:
This will be his second time on the trip.

Stop he’s most excited for:
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — beautiful, emotional, and very moving.

Theme song if he entered a room:
“Hey Ya!” by OutKast

First job:
Working for a cow farmer as a farmhand.

Pet peeve he’d make illegal:
People opening a bag of chips (or anything crunchy) in a quiet environment.

Oldest shoes in his closet:
About three years old.

Favorite snack:
Trail mix (for now — it changes all the time).

Most useless talent:
Knowing a lot about wetlands.

One song he could listen to forever:
“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd.

We’re thrilled to have Tristian back with us and can’t wait for an amazing Youth Tour experience.

Address

Urbandale, IA
50322

Telephone

+18007987037

Website

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