Win the trip of a lifetime!
All expenses paid to Co-op Youth Tour of Washington, D.C., June 17-23, 2027

Each summer, Polk-Burnett is pleased to sponsor high school seniors who will represent our co-op and community at the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour of Washington, D.C. More than 1,800 high school students from all across America take part in Youth Tour and so can you!

During this weeklong trip of a lifetime, you will:
>Explore national monuments, Arlington National Cemetery and the Smithsonian Museums. 
>Meet with elected officials and learn how government impacts your life and local community.
>Form friendships with peers from Wisconsin and across the country.
>Build leadership skills, discover the power of your voice and learn how you can make your mark on the future!

The trip is hosted by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and all expenses are paid by Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative.

Congratulations 2026 Youth Tour delegates, Elijah Argetsinger and Archer Utke. Read their story and see pictures. 
Read our November 2025 General Manager Blog, “Helping co-op youth make their mark in D.C. and in life.”

Applications: Online applications accepted Sept. to Dec. each school year.

All applicants of Polk-Burnett's Scholarship program are invited to apply for Youth Tour by completing the scholarship application and optional Youth Tour essay questions.

Class of 2027: Apply here (scholarship application webform)

The online scholarship and Youth Tour application opens September 1, 2026. The deadline is January 1, 2027.

Eligibility

Youth Tour candidates must:
1.  Be a high school senior, graduating this school year.
2.  Be the child or legal dependent of an active Polk-Burnett member. (A member is someone who buys electricity from the co-op; parent/guardian must be named on electric account.)
3.  Demonstrate community service, according to instructions on scholarship application.
4.  Complete the scholarship application and optional Youth Tour essay questions.

Selection 

All candidates who meet eligibility and community service requirements are entered into a random drawing in January.

Notification

Winners are announced by mail, during award programs at local high schools and in Polk-Burnett's Powerlines newsletter. 

Youth Tour does not affect your electric bill

Youth Tour is funded with unclaimed Capital Credit dollars that otherwise would be forfeited to the state, and by the generosity of co-op members who donate Capital Credits to the scholarship fund.

Polk-Burnett is owned by its members and guided by a nonprofit, cooperative philosophy. When the cooperative makes money beyond expenses, the difference is refunded to members as Capital Credits. Prior to 1987, Polk-Burnett was required to give unclaimed Capital Credits to the State of Wisconsin. Now, the co-op can use these unclaimed dollars for education, and we are proud to offer scholarship to the children of our members. 

If you would like to donate your future Capital Credits to the co-op's scholarship and Youth Tour program, see our online enrollment form. This is an excellent opportunity to support education for students of co-op member families!

For more information, contact:

Joan O'Fallon, communications director
800-421-0283, ext. 333
jofallon@polkburnett.com

Youth Tour is sponsored by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). It was inspired by then-Senator Lyndon B. Johnson when he addressed the 1957 NRECA annual meeting in Chicago. Today, young people sponsored by co-ops across the country visit our nation's Capitol to experience democracy in action. We are proud to participate.

Learn more about NRECA Youth Tour.
Learn how Youth Tour became a catalyst for rural America's future leaders.

Learn more about Polk-Burnett's scholarship program.