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DSO Electric Cooperative Inc. | 201 Dakota Drive | Solomon, KS 67480 | PO Box 286 | 1-800-376-3533

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Youth Programs

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  1. Community
  2. Youth Programs

youth_tour_logo1.jpgWhat makes electric cooperatives different from other utilities is that "giving something back to the community" is part of their business plan. Why do cooperatives like DSO send high school students to Washington D.C. and to Colorado? Because it is important to learn about the political process and interact with your government. Youth will walk away from this week as better leaders and a sense that they can make a difference.

The Origin & History of Youth Tour

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 D.C. 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 D.C. 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 state delegations and suggested that co-op representatives from each state arrange to be in Washington D.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 for their delegations to visit 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.

2025 Trip Application Deadline is February 7, 2025

Any high school junior in the DSO service area whose parents or guardians reside in the territory served by DSO 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 DSO and the Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., of Topeka. Click Here for more information or an application. 

As part of the selection process, participating youth must write a short essay and attend a personal interview conducted by a panel of judges. The essay is due on or before the application deadline.

Washington, D.C. Tour (2023 Brochure) - June 14-20, 2025
The "Government In Action" Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. takes place each June. During this week-long tour, students will visit historical sights, attend educational sessions, meet with Kansas elected officials and tour the White House.

Steamboat Springs, CO Tour (2023 Brochure) - July 11-17, 2025
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, and visit beautiful Steamboat Springs.

 

 

 

News & Updates

Thursday | May 1, 2025

Save Money - Sign Up for the Interruptible Rate

Do you want a lower electric bill? If so, then the interruptible rate may be right for you!
more
Thursday | April 10, 2025

Highlights from 2024

Here is a recap of the noteworthy events at DSO in 2024.
more
Monday | March 3, 2025

Wildfire Mitigation

Lately there has been a lot of discussion and news coverage on wildfires, especially in the western United States.
more
Monday | February 3, 2025

ELECTRICITY IS STILL A GREAT VALUE!

Inflation, right???!!!  Miserable. Undeniable. Backbreaking Inflation.
more
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Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

DSO Electric Cooperative, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives is a national network of electric cooperatives across 46 states that provides resources and leverages partnerships to help member cooperatives and their employees better engage and serve their members. By working together, Touchstone Energy cooperatives stand as a source of power and information to their 32 million member-owners every day.

©2025 DSO Electric Cooperative. All Rights Reserved.

  • About Us
    • Cold Weather Rule
    • Vision, Mission, & Core Values
    • Members Policies
    • Bylaws / Rules & Regulations
    • Cooperative History
    • Seven Cooperative Principles
    • Capital Credits
    • Rates
    • Forms
      • Auto Pay
      • Apply for Service
      • Budget Billing Plan
      • Light Outage Form
      • Prepaid Agreement
      • Request for Donation Form
    • Employment
    • Contact Us
    • Directors and Consultants
  • My Home
    • Why Is My Bill So High?
    • Energy Savings
      • Energy Saving Tips
    • Office and Payment Locations
    • Payment Options
    • Residential Budget Billing
    • Transfer Service
    • Smarthub Signup Instructions
  • My Business
    • Energy Saving Strategies
    • Sector Reports
    • Technology Applications
  • Outage Map
  • Products & Services
    • Co-op Connections Card
    • Air Source Heat Pumps
    • Geothermal Heat Pump
      • Heat Pump Rebates
      • Certificate of Installation
    • Water Heater Energy Efficiency Program
      • Water Heater Rebate
    • Compact Fluorescent Light
      • CFL Color
    • TESCO
      • Surge Suppression - Information Request
  • Community
    • Economic Development
    • Youth Programs
      • Youth Tour Information Request Form
    • Kansas Country Living
    • DS0 Scholarship Program
  • Renewables
    • BioMass
    • Geothermal Energy
    • Hydrogen
    • Hydropower
    • Solar Energy
    • Wind Energy
  • Safety
    • Education
    • Phone Scams
    • Safety
      • Electric Shock Safety
      • Energy Theft
      • Flood Safety
      • Generator Safety
      • Holiday Lighting Safety
      • Inside Safety
      • Outdoor Safety
      • Hot Weather Safety
  • 4KW Solar
  • Capital Credits
  • Contact Us