Making their mark: Youth Tour 2026

Students representing electric and telephone co-ops across the state recently returned home following Youth Tour, a tradition spanning decades that sends students to Washington, D.C., for an unforgettable weeklong trip.

This year, 49 students sponsored by 25 Illinois electric and telephone cooperatives took part in the 2026 Youth Tour, held June 15-22, to visit the nation's capital for an immersive experience designed to educate and inspire the next generation of cooperative and civic leaders.

They joined more than 2,000 students representing 44 states for the annual event.

"Electric and telephone cooperatives across the state are investing in the next generation through Youth Tour," said Brooke Gross, member services manager and facilitator of youth programs at the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives. "It gives students a chance to see our nation's history and government up close. Just as importantly, it helps them discover their own potential as leaders."

Central to the Youth Tour experience is the formation of a mock student-run cooperative called Chip 'n' Pop Co-op. Students began their journey at the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives headquartered in Springfield, where they selected the co-op's board of directors. The board later interviewed and selected a co-op manager.

Throughout the week, the co-op handled snack sales, decision-making and budgeting - giving participants a hands-on look at how cooperatives operate. All students were members of the co-op.

Co-op leadership included manager Josephine Meyer, Tri-County Electric Cooperative; board chair Elizabeth Hampton, Shelby Electric Cooperative; vice chair Brenna Hays, Wabash Communications CO-OP; secretary-treasurer Isabella Smith, Menard Electric Cooperative and board members Iris Mount, SouthEastern Illinois Electric Cooperative and Reece Whitley, Wayne-White Counties Electric Cooperative.

"Being part of this co-op helps students understand what makes a cooperative different," said Gross. "It's all about working together and making decisions that serve everyone - not just one person or company."

Over the course of the week, students visited historic landmarks, including Gettysburg, Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Capitol, where they had the opportunity to meet U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. They also strolled the National Mall and explored the Smithsonian museums.

Midweek, students took part in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's Youth Day, where they joined hundreds of other teens from across the country to hear from national leaders and learn how to use their voices back home.

In addition, a student was selected to represent Illinois on the national Youth Leadership Council (YLC). Those interested in becoming Illinois' YLC representative filled out an application, and five were selected to be interviewed for the position.

Corn Belt Energy Corporation's Colton Leonard was selected as the 2026-2027 YLC representative for Illinois. He will represent the state at national and state meetings and events in the year ahead.

"It's so awesome that the co-ops are able to do this for us all," Leonard said. "Everyone comes from so many different perspectives, and getting to meet other individuals is just so empowering."

The week concluded with a farewell dinner and dance, and by the time students returned home on June 22, many said they felt changed by the experience.

"These students arrive in Washington, D.C., not knowing what to expect," Gross said. "By the end of the trip, they've built friendships, expanded their perspectives and gained a better understanding of how they can make a difference in their communities."

To learn more about Youth Tour, go to youthtour.coop or facebook.com/ILYouthTour.

More photos: Youth Tour - AIECphoto