Washington Youth Tour
WYT MISSION
Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value ~ Albert Einstein
Compete for an All-Expenses Paid Trip to Washington D.C.
Since 1981, Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative Foundation has sponsored students for the D.C. trip. Starting with just 4 students, it has grown through the years.
Today, SSVEC sponsors between nine and fifteen students, all-expenses paid, for our D.C. trip.
Creating Community Leaders
The SSVEC Foundation encourages avenues of leadership for our area youth. One of the ways we encourage leadership is through this program. Students visit famous sites such as the U.S. Capitol, Arlington National Cemetery, Smithsonian Museums, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the Vietnam Memorial. They also attend seminars and meetings sponsored by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, visit Congress and the White House, meet with their Congressperson, and learn about the incredible value of the not-for-profit electric cooperative business model.
Who is Eligible?
WYT competition is open to all high school juniors in schools served by SSVEC or to any high school junior living within the SSVEC service area. Selection of students for the trip is a competitive process. Judges for the competition are generally teachers, journalists, community organizers, and/or representatives from other electric cooperatives.
How Much Does the Trip Cost?
This is an all-expenses paid trip to Washington D.C. This includes travel to and from the airport, airfare, hotel, meals, museum and pre-planned activity fees, transportation while in D.C., and WYT shirts. It is recommended that students bring some spending money for small souvenirs or specialty items.
How Do I Compete for this Trip?
- Attend a WYT presentation at your school (August-September)
- Study and take a qualifying written test (September)
- Submit a video or essay, judged for content (September/October)
- Compete at finals - written test, interview, essay (November 4, 2026)
- The top 9-15 students will be chosen to go on the trip (June 15 - 22, 2027)
School Presentations
Each year, SSVEC offers Youth Tour presentations in nine area high schools to introduce the program. These schools are San Simon, Bowie, Willcox, Valley Union (Elfrida), Tombstone, St. David, Benson, Buena (Sierra Vista), and Patagonia.
What is On the Qualifying Test?
Approximately one week after you have attended the presentation at your school, a qualifying test will be offered through the school. Study materials about rural America in the 1800s- 1900s, electric cooperatives, rural electrification, and energy are provided. Use the study guide provided to prepare for the test, which consists of true/false questions, fill in the blank, and multiple choice. There are 60+ questions. The highest scoring students from each school will advance to the next level of competition and be asked to submit a video or essay within 10 days. See the study guide to the qualifying test at the bottom of this page.
Where Can I Find the WYT Study Guide?
The study guide can be found at the bottom of this web page.
What Should My Video or Essay Be About?
Students who have top scores on their qualifying test will be notified that they have advanced to the video or Essay submission phase. At the time of notification, you will receive a topic. The video is a maximum of 60 - 90 seconds (or if essay, maximum of 800 words). Directions for video upload will be given when the time comes.
WYT Finals
After judges score the videos or essays, only students moving forward in the competition will be invited to participate in Washington Youth Tour Finals. Finals will be a half-day competition, consisting of another test, a panel interview, and writing a short essay. Finals will generally start in the afternoon, about noon or 1 PM and go to 6 PM, after which, a dinner will be served for students and parents. The winners will be announced at dinner.
When does the WYT Competition take place?
- August/September: School presentations given by SSVEC
- August/September: Initial qualifying test takes place one week after your school's presentation, at your school, administered by a teacher or counselor at your school.
- October (first week): Video submission deadline.
- First Wednesday of November: Final competition and interviews @ Benson Schools, Benson AZ.
- April: Day trip to Phoenix to visit the Arizona State Capitol and meet AZ Representatives
- June: Trip to Washington D.C.
WYT Study Guide
2026 SSVEC Delegates At the AZ State Capitol and in D.C.
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