TEXAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES (TEC) GOVERNMENT IN ACTION YOUTH TOUR

Austin, TX To Washington, D.C. – June 14-21, 2026 (Approx. value $5,000 ea. winner)

RGEC will send two students on an all-expenses-paid trip from Austin, Texas to Washington, D.C. as part of the Texas Electric Cooperatives (TEC) Government In Action Youth Tour. Students spend an entire week in Washington, D.C. experiencing all the Capital has to offer. While in D.C., students have the opportunity to visit many of the nation’s exciting museums, memorable landmarks and meet other students from around Texas and the United States. The travel package includes air transportation to and from Washington D.C., hotel stay, meals, and entrance fees. Chaperons for the tour will be provided by TEC and they will accompany the students throughout the tour.

Entry Deadline: JANUARY 5, 2026

GOVERNMENT IN ACTION YOUTH TOUR (PDF)

ELIGIBILITY & GUIDELINES

Applicant must be a US citizen and have completed (a minimum of) their freshman year of high school by June 2026. Homeschooled students in an accredited program are also eligible.
Applicant must be a legal dependent and living in the home of an active Rio Grande Electric Cooperative member.
Applicant must be able to participate in the Youth Tour from June 14-21, 2026.
Applicant must be able to fly in an airplane and ride in a car or bus for up to 12 hours per day (with breaks).
Winners will be responsible for transportation to and from Austin, Texas. They will also be responsible for additional spending money for snacks, souvenirs, etc.
Winners must have a government-issued ID card prior to the trip (Drivers License or Official ID).
Must submit a completed electronic application, essay, recent photo, and any additional information online at www.riogrande.coop/community/youth-tour/ by 5:00 PM (C) January 5, 2026.
The essay should be 300 - 500 words, as counted by Microsoft Word, explaining why volunteerism is important in rural communities. Do not identify yourself by name or family name in the body of the essay.

DEADLINE: 5:00 PM (CENTRAL) JANUARY 5, 2026

Winners will be selected by the RGEC Board of Directors at the regularly scheduled January board meeting and notified thereafter. Winners agree to provide a video statement to be recognized at the 2026 RGEC Annual Meeting held the 2nd Saturday in October.

Youth Tour Application

APPLICANT INFORMATION

Name(Required)

First Middle Last

Mailing Address(Required)

Street Address City State ZIP / Postal Code

Date of Birth(Required)

Email(Required)

Cell Phone(Required)

Applicant Photo(Required)

Max. file size: 256 MB.

Please attach a high resolution photo. A school photo is preferred.

VERIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY

Mother/Guardian(Required)

Mother/Guardian's Name Phone Number

Father/Guardian(Required)

Father/Guardian's Name Phone Number

Name on RGEC Account(Required)

RGEC Account Number(Required)

Email(Required)

Address on RGEC Account(Required)

Street Address City State ZIP / Postal Code

EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

High School(Required)

GPA(Required)

Grade Level(Required)

Freshman

Sophomore

Junior

Senior

Applicant must be a High School student who will have completed their freshman year by June 2026.

Career Goals(Required)

Extracurricular Activities(Required)

Lists of Awards and Special Recognitions(Required)

Student may attach a seperate listing of thier extracurricular activities, awards, and recognitions.

Max. file size: 256 MB.

ESSAY QUESTIONS

Tell us what makes you a great candidate to represent RGEC on the 2026 Youth Tour.(Required)

Tell us what you expect to gain from the Youth Tour Trip.(Required)

Explain why volunteerism is important in rural communities.(Required)

Essay should contain 300- 500 words, as counted by Microsoft Word. Do not identify yourself by name or family name in the body of the essay.

Applicant's Electronic Signature(Required)

Parent/Legal Guardian's Electronic Signature(Required)

(Note: Parent/Legal Guardian must be the authorized representative of the account)