We're sending FIVE students from the Big Country to be part of Youth Tour history in June 2023!
Five local students are DC bound this June after winning Big Country Electric Cooperative’s (BCEC) annual Youth Tour video contest! Jack Bell and Jayden Flores of Aspermont, Shelby Saffel of Rule, Essence Lewis of Haskell, and Ben Metler of Paint Creek will all represent BCEC on the legendary Youth Tour Trip of a Lifetime.
Youth Tour has been a Texas electric co-op tradition since 1965, when co-ops—inspired by then-Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson who encouraged youths to go to Washington to see their American heritage and government at work, “what the flag stands for and represents”—began sponsoring teens on this trip. Educating and mentoring young people fit in with co-ops’ mission to support the communities they serve. Since the 1960s, more than 4,000 Texans and 50,000 young Americans have taken advantage of this special opportunity offered by their electric cooperatives.
Information about the 2024 Youth Tour contest will be posted here and shared with local high schools this fall. Check back to find out how YOU can be on the 2024 Youth Tour!
Click here to watch highlight videos from previous Youth Tour trips!

Need a helpful example to get started on YOUR Youth Tour video? See the prize-winning videos of our top three winners from 2022!
Their topic was: The rolling blackouts in February 2021 rocked the state of Texas. Most consumers don’t understand what led to that situation, or how Texas’ utility grid and energy market operate. In a maximum five-minute video, explain what happened and why, how Texas’ utility grid and energy market work, and why it’s important for consumers to understand that.