Local student visits Washington, D.C. on Youth Tour

This summer, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives sent 44 exceptional high school students to represent their communities in Washington D.C. on the 2026 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. Included in this group was Elvis Lozano, rising senior from Cape Hatteras Secondary School. Elvis earned the opportunity to attend after completing an application including an essay about the cooperative.

The North Carolina delegates joined more than 1,800 students from across the country to explore monuments, museums and historic sites. They also spent time on Capitol Hill, touring the U.S. Capitol and meeting with staff from North Carolina’s congressional delegation. There, they discussed civic engagement and careers in public service while gaining a first-hand look at how our government works.

“This trip was amazing because I built new relationships and memories that I’ll never forget,” said Elvis. “I am grateful that CHEC selected me for this opportunity.”

Youth programs like the annual trip to D.C. are part of our mission to build a brighter future for the communities we serve. By providing opportunities like these, students can see the possibilities that lie ahead. High school juniors who are interested in applying for next summer’s Youth Tour can find the application at chec.coop/youthtour starting October 1.