Youth Programs

As part of our commitment to our communities, DS&O Electric offers several Youth Programs that provide informal and formal educational opportunities to young people in north central Kansas. Our Youth Tour is just one of the many programs available..

Youth Tour

Origin & History

Senator Lyndon Baines Johnson inspired the Youth Tour when he addressed the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Annual Meeting in Chicago in 1957. The Senator and future president declared, "If one thing goes out of this meeting, it will be sending youngsters to the national capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents."

Consequently, some Texas electric cooperatives sent groups of young people to Washington to work during the summer in Senator Johnson's office. In 1958, a rural electric cooperative in Iowa sponsored the first group of 34 young people on a week-long study tour of the nation's capital. Later that same year, another busload came to Washington from Illinois. The idea grew and other states sent busloads of young people throughout the summer. By 1959, the "Youth Tour" had grown to 130 youths.

In 1964, NRECA began to coordinate joint activities among the stat delegations and suggested that co-op representatives from each state arrange to be in Washington C.C. during Youth Tour week. The first year of the coordinated Tour included approximately 400 young people from 12 states. Word of the program has continued to spread and today, over 1,500 young people and their chaperones participate in the Youth Tour every year.

The statewide Youth Tour directors arrange their delegation's visit to their U.S. Representatives', Senators' offices, federal agencies, and other educational and sightseeing activities. In addition to the planned statewide activities, the Youth Tour experience encompasses multi-state activities coordinated by NRECA

Youth Tour Application - 2010 Trip Application Deadline March 12th, 2010
Any high school junior in the DS&O service area whose parents or guardians reside in the territory served by DS&O Electric may apply for the annual Youth Tours. These all-expense-paid educational trips to Washington, D.C. or Steamboat Springs, Colorado are sponsored by DS&O Electric and the Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., of Topeka.

Washington, D.C. Tour (2010 Brochure)
The "Government In Action" Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. takes place each June. During this week-long tour, students will visit historic sights, attend educational sessions, meet with Kansas elected officials and tour the White House.

Steamboat Springs, CO Tour (2010 Brochure)
The "Youth Leadership Camp " in Steamboat Springs, Colorado takes place in July. At this seminar, the participants will tour Craig Station, attend sessions featuring energy, safety and career opportunities as well as visit beautiful Steamboat Springs.

As part of the selection process, participating youth write a short essay and attend a personal interview conducted by a panel of judges.