Time to Shine with a chance to earn an all-expenses-paid educational trip to Washington, D.C.
OEC’s 2027 Youth Tour contest is now open to high school juniors. Applicants will submit an essay or written speech by Nov. 1 for a chance to advance in the contest and ultimately earn an all-expenses-paid educational trip to Washington, D.C.
The 2027 Youth Tour topic
More than 80 years ago, America’s farmers and rural citizens joined together to bring electricity to communities that for-profit companies refused to serve. As a result, they improved the quality of life for rural Americans by satisfying an unmet need.
The 2027 prompt is:
Energizing Every Moment: Explain how co-ops are providing communities with more than just power, including energy, broadband, opportunities, community and youth empowerment.
Submit your essay or speech by Nov. 1
Put your thoughts into words in either essay or speech format. Entries should be 750-900 words and double-spaced.
Submit your entry through the online application form. Be prepared to include information about honors and awards, positions or offices held, community involvement and special interests.
What happens next?
Eight applicants will be selected as finalists to progress in the contest.
The eight finalists are required to attend a half-day speech workshop Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026. There, they will learn techniques to hone their speech craft and visual presentation skills as well as cooperative information.
Finalists will then present their speeches live before three judges at a banquet held at OEC’s headquarters. Judges look for each applicant’s power of persuasion, first in writing and then in oration.
Four winners will be selected following the live presentations Jan. 28.
About Youth Tour
Youth Tour offers high school juniors a weeklong, all-expenses-paid educational trip to Washington, D.C., in June each year.
Four students travel with the Oklahoma delegation of more than 70 students to the nation’s capital, where they tour historic sites and national landmarks, meet Oklahoma’s congressional delegation and more.
The 2027 Youth Tour trip is currently scheduled for June 18-23. Dates are estimated based on past years and are subject to change. OEC will follow guidance from the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association to determine the final schedule and trip details.
Questions? Contact Community Outreach Associate Carrie Koesler at (405) 217-6726 or carrie.koesler@okcoop.org