For 61 years, the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour has sent thousands of students on a life-changing adventure, and now it is time for a student from our community to join their ranks. Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative has announced the 2026 Washington Youth Tour Scholarship, offering one local high school student the chance to make their mark on a national stage.
A Week of Discovery in the Capital
From June 14th through June 21st, 2026, the selected winner will travel to Washington, D.C., for an all-expenses-paid educational experience. Joining 1,500 other student leaders from across the country, the winner will gain a firsthand understanding of how the federal government operates and has the unique opportunity to meet with elected officials.
The itinerary is packed with history and culture. Participants will explore the halls of the Smithsonian Institution, pay their respects at Arlington National Cemetery, and visit Capitol Hill. The tour also includes stops at Mount Vernon, the FDR and World War II Memorials, and a viewing of the Sunset Parade at the Marine Corps War Memorial.
Who Should Apply
This scholarship is open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors whose primary residence is located within Plumas, Lassen, Sierra, or Washoe counties. To be eligible, the student’s household must receive either electric power through PSREC or internet service through Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications.
How to Enter
To apply for this opportunity, students must complete an application form – available for download at www.psrec.coop or by calling 1.530.832.6032 – and submit a typed or legibly written essay.
The essay must be between 500 and 1,000 words and address the following prompt: “Washington Youth Tour students have an opportunity to visit with their congressman or woman. As a member of an electric co-op, write an essay about the concerns and questions you would discuss with your representative. Explain why these are important issues to you.”
Essays will be judged on creativity, content, spelling, and grammar by the editorial staff of Ruralite magazine.
Deadline and Submission
All applications must be returned to PSREC no later than Friday, January 30th, 2026. Please mail or drop off your completed materials to PSREC c/o Emily Compton, 73233 State Route 70, Portola, CA 96122.
