Big Country Electric Cooperative is asking for your help spreading the word among students about the Government-in-Action Youth Tour and scholarship opportunities.
Youth Tour is an all-expenses-paid trip to our nation’s capital. BCEC will send three local students on this incredible journey, scheduled for June 15–23, 2027. Students’ parents or guardians do not have to be members of BCEC for students to compete in and win the Youth Tour contest.
Additionally, scholarships are available through Big County EC and its affiliate organizations.
What Is Youth Tour?
It’s an action-packed trip to Washington, D.C., that brings together students from Texas and across the nation. Participants have opportunities to explore historic landmarks, visit museums and memorials, learn about rural electrification, and experience the government in action while building friendships that last a lifetime.
Youth Tour has been a Texas electric cooperative tradition since 1965, inspired by then-Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson, who encouraged young people to experience their American heritage and government at work. The trip reflects electric cooperatives’ commitment to educating and supporting the next generation of leaders.
We encourage all sophomore, junior and senior students to seize this amazing opportunity! Applications are due January 14, 2027, and video submissions are due January 28, 2027.
This year’s video topic: What is one challenge facing rural communities today, and how can young people and their local electric cooperative help address it?
Students should identify a rural community challenge, explain what makes an electric cooperative different from an investor-owned utility, and share thoughtful ideas for how young people and their cooperative could help address the issue.
Videos may be up to four minutes long and will be scored on content and knowledge (70%) and presentation quality (30%). After they submit an application, students will receive an email with instructions for uploading their video.
Additionally, Big Country EC will donate $500 to the school with the most student submissions.
Scholarship Opportunities
Big Country EC and its affiliates are also offering thousands of dollars worth of scholarships.
Big Country EC Academic Scholarship
Two $4,000 scholarships for graduating seniors whose parents or guardians are BCEC members. Deadline to apply: March 1, 2027.
Directors Memorial Scholarship, Golden Spread EC
Scholarships of $2,000 will be awarded to selected graduating seniors whose parents or guardians are BCEC members. Deadline to apply: March 1, 2027.
Texas Rural Electric Women’s Association Scholarship
Twenty scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded to current TREWA members and their children. Applicants must be a current member or an employee of a Texas electric cooperative, such as BCEC. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, full-time college students and adults accepted as full-time students at any accredited institution. Deadline to apply: March 15, 2027.
For full details and applications, visit bigcountry.coop and click on Service Beyond Electricity, then Scholarships or Youth Tour. Contact Krysha Burleson at (325) 776-3803 or [email protected] for more information.
