Empowering students through Youth Tour

Have you ever imagined walking the halls of the U.S. Capitol alongside members of Congress? For two local students, that dream became a reality.

This summer, Chloe McGraw of Ascend Leadership Academy and Jude Stumpf of Central Carolina Academy represented our community on the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., held June 15–21. Sponsored by Central Electric, the students joined 44 peers from across North Carolina and more than 1,600 students nationwide for a week of leadership, learning, and unforgettable experiences.

While in the nation’s capital, Chloe and Jude explored iconic landmarks and historic memorials, toured the U.S. Capitol, and met with members of Congress and their staff. They engaged in meaningful conversations about civic engagement and careers in public service, while gaining a firsthand look at how our government works. Jude was also selected by his peers to serve as North Carolina’s Youth Leadership Council (YLC) representative, a yearlong role that includes national leadership opportunities.

In addition to learning about American history and the cooperative business model, the students saw how electric cooperatives invest in their communities—from supporting teachers with Bright Ideas grants to empowering youth through scholarships and leadership programs.

Central Electric sponsors two local high school students each year for the Youth Tour. If you are a high school junior or senior, the application period for next year’s Youth Tour begins in September and runs through January 2026.