Cotopaxi High School Student Selected for Prestigious Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.

Viola Trujillo was chosen to represent the Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) at the 2024 National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., in June.

Trujillo, a student at Cotopaxi Consolidated Schools, will join around 30 other outstanding students from across Colorado for what is touted as “the trip of a lifetime.” She will have the unique opportunity to gain invaluable insights into the functionalities of electric cooperatives, delve into the depths of American history, and grasp a practical understanding of the U.S. government.

The Washington D.C. Youth Tour is a weeklong trip to Washington, D.C., sponsored by SDCEA and organized by the Colorado Rural Electric Association, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and the Colorado Electric Educational Institute. SDCEA covers all costs to participate in the program, including travel, lodging, and food. Participants are responsible for bringing extra money for items not covered in the tour, such as souvenirs.

The 8-day experience begins in Denver with a trip to the Colorado State Capitol and dinner with a state legislator. The following day, students fly to Washington, D.C. While there, students will visit World War II, Korean, Vietnam, Lincoln, and other memorials. They’ll meet students from other states and learn about electric cooperatives. Other activities during the trip include a student congress; a visit with U.S. Senators and Representatives; trips to the Library of Congress, Smithsonian museums, the Holocaust Museum, and Arlington National Cemetery; and see a theatrical play. Students will also view the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.

This enriching experience, open to high school students whose families are served by electric cooperatives nationwide, seeks to empower young minds by providing them with the tools they need to become tomorrow’s leaders, encourages greater civic engagement, and an in-depth appreciation for the intricate tapestry of the nation’s history and governance. The knowledge and experience gained from the NRECA Youth Tour contributes to the personal growth and development of students, and they also bring back valuable lessons and perspectives to our local community.

The Youth Tour originated with President Lyndon B. Johnson who advocated for rural electrification and youth development. In 1957, when he was still a U.S. Senator, Johnson suggested “sending youngsters to the nation’s capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents,” into a nationwide effort to send youth on an organized, fun, and educational trip in the 1960s. Now, some 60 years later, electric cooperatives from across the country continue to send more than 1,500 students to the country’s capital every summer.

For more information about the NRECA Youth Tour, please visit the Youth Programs section on the SDCEA website. Applications for the trip are available on the website each fall.