Washington Youth Tour

WYT MISSION

Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value ~ Albert Einstein

Creating Community Leaders

The SSVEC Foundation encourages avenues of leadership for our area youth. One of the ways we encourage leadership is through our Washington Youth Tour program (WYT). Each year students within the SSVEC service area compete an all-expenses paid trip to Washington D.C. They 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.

History of the Program

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. Currently, SSVEC sponsors between nine and fifteen students, all-expenses paid, for the D.C. trip.

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?

Our chosen Washington Youth Tour students are fully funded by the SSVEC Foundation. This includes airfare, hotel, meals, museum and activity fees, transportation while in D.C., and WYT shirts are included. It is recommended that students bring some spending money for small souvenirs or specialty items.

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 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 100 total questions. The highest scoring students from each school will advance to the next level of competition and be asked to submit a video 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 Be About?

Students who have top scores on their qualifying test will be notified that they have advanced to the video submission phase. At the time of notification, you will receive a topic for your video. The video is a maximum of 60 - 90 seconds. Upload your video to YouTube with privacy settings in place, so only our judges can view it. Directions for upload will be given when the time comes.

WYT Finals

After judges score the videos, 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?

School presentations take place in August and September each year.
Initial qualifying test takes place one week after your school's presentation, at your school, administered by a teacher or counselor at your school.
Video submission deadline: First week of October.
Final competition and interview: First week of November @ Benson Schools, Benson AZ.
Trip to Phoenix to visit the Arizona State Capitol and meet AZ Representatives
Trip to Washington D.C. - Usually begins the second week of June, for 5 - 7 days.