• ELIGIBILITY, REQUIREMENTS, AND SIGNATURE
  • APPLICATION
  • Complete

GOVERNMENT-IN-ACTION YOUTH TOUR
2026 APPLICATION

The Government-in-Action Youth Tour is an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. sponsored by Wharton County Electric Cooperative. The trip allows young adults the opportunity to tour national historic sites, experience cultural diversity, meet U.S. congressional representatives, and learn about electric cooperatives and the energy industry. Each WCEC delegate also receives a $500 scholarship upon graduation from high school.

ELIGIBILITY:
  • Student must be between the ages of 15 and 19 and must have completed sophomore year of high school.
  • Parent or legal guardian of student must be an active residential member of Wharton County Electric Cooperative.
  • Must be able to attend orientation day at WCEC in May 2026.
  • Must be able to participate in the Youth Tour trip to Washington, D.C. June 14-21, 2026
  • Must be able to fly in an airplane, and be able to ride in a car/bus for up to 12 hours (with breaks) in a single day. 
  • Must be able to (and agree to) reasonably assist WCEC in presentation/promotion of the Youth Tour program and WCEC. 
  • WCEC reserves the right to select a runner up or another contestant for the Youth Tour Trip if the winner is found to be a poor representative of the Youth Tour program.
  • The winner’s guardian must give WCEC written permission and a waiver of release for the winner to participate on the Youth Tour. The winner will be covered by Youth Tour’s insurance from home and back.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
  • ESSAY: Applicant must submit a 500-word essay or 5-7 minute video presentation covering the selected topic. How do you imagine representing WCEC on Youth Tour could impact your future? 
  • PHOTO: Applicant must submit a high-resolution head shot. The photo will be publicized in winner announcements and holds no bearing in the application process.
  • LIST OF ACTIVITIES/HOBBIES: Applicants will be asked to list School Activities/Offices Held and Special Interests/Hobbies and Other Comments. These may be submitted togehter in one file or entered in the application directly.
DEADLINE:
Submissions must be received by 4 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026.

SIGNATURE
By signing below, I attest that I fully understand all of the rules and requirements of the contest and what will be required of me if I should win the contest. I also understand that my submission of this application constitutes my and my parent(s)/guardian(s) permission to use all information contained in the application, including the essay and photo, in announcements or other promotional materials.




 
Sign above