Investing in Tomorrow's Leaders

Youth Tour helps local students discover leadership, service, and the cooperative difference.

WHEN TWINS JENNA AND NORA GROVERT boarded a plane for Washington, D.C., they expected to visit famous landmarks and learn about our nation’s history. What they didn’t expect was to return home with a new understanding of leadership, community, and the role electric cooperatives play beyond providing electricity.

Representing East-Central Iowa REC, the Vinton-Shellsburg juniors joined 33 other Iowa students and more than 2,100 students from 44 states for the 2026 National Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. During the weeklong trip, they explored historic sites, participated in leadership development activities, met elected officials, and discovered how electric cooperatives work 
together to strengthen their communities.

For Jenna, one of the most memorable moments of the week came at Arlington National Cemetery, where she was one of four students selected to participate in the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

“It was such an honor,” Jenna said. “I was nervous at first, but once I was standing there, it really hit me how meaningful the moment was. Hearing ‘Taps’ and being part of that ceremony is something I’ll never forget.”

One of Nora’s favorite experiences was attending the U.S. Marine Corps Sunset Parade.

“The precision, professionalism, and teamwork were incredible,” she said. “Watching everyone work together in perfect sync really stood out to me.”

While the monuments, museums, and historic sites left a lasting impression, both students said the biggest takeaway wasn’t a particular destination—it was discovering what electric cooperatives stand for.

“Before Youth Tour, I thought electric cooperatives were just about providing electricity. I came home realizing they’re also investing in people and giving back to their communities,” said Jenna.

Leadership sessions challenged the twins and their fellow students to think differently about what it means to serve others and work together toward a common goal.

“We learned that leadership isn’t about having a title,” said Nora. “It’s about listening, accepting feedback, working with others, and making your community better.”

When asked if they would recommend Youth Tour to other students, Jenna and Nora answered without hesitation that they absolutely would. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” they said. “You’ll meet people from across the country and experience things you never imagined.”

Programs like Youth Tour are one of the many ways ECI REC puts the cooperative principles into action by investing in future leaders and strengthening the communities we proudly serve.

INTERESTED IN YOUTH TOUR?
Applications for the 2027 Youth Tour are now available! Current high school sophomores and juniors can learn more and apply at www.ecirec.coop.