Submit Your Essay!
DEMCO Essay Contest / Youth Tour
Since 1978, DEMCO has sponsored an annual essay contest for high school juniors throughout our seven-parish service areas: Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, and West Feliciana.
Twelve 11th-grade students will be selected to give an oral presentation of their essay at a banquet in their honor, and six students will win an all-expense paid trip to attend the NRECA Rural Electric Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., June 13-20, 2026.
Accepting essay entries November 1 - January 20.
Throughout the submission and award process, there are many learning opportunities for participating students to gain a better understanding of the electrical cooperatives' business model and insight into how their national government operates.
Contest Rules
If you are a high school junior in the DEMCO service area, visit our Contest Rules page to learn how you can enter our annual essay contest. By writing a letter to a political leader about a topic that matters to you, you could earn a spot on an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the National Rural Electric Youth Tour. Don't miss your chance to showcase your writing skills, engage with your community, and compete for incredible prizes—check out the full eligibility details and submission guidelines today!
Youth Tour Experiences
Curious about what it’s really like to represent your community on a national stage? Visit the Youth Tour Experiences page to see how this incredible journey has shaped the lives of over 50,000 students across America. From meeting congressional leaders in Washington, D.C. to forming lifelong friendships with fellow student leaders, this page offers a firsthand look at the transformative power of the program. Explore the stories of alumni who have gone on to become CEOs and U.S. Senators, and get inspired to start your own journey today!
Youth Tour History
Discover the legacy behind a program inspired by a future president! Visit the Youth Tour History page to learn how Senator Lyndon B. Johnson’s 1957 vision evolved into a national tradition that has empowered thousands of students. Trace the journey from the first group of students in 1958 to DEMCO’s long-standing commitment to sending local juniors to Washington, D.C. It’s a fascinating look at how electric cooperatives have spent decades investing in the next generation of American leaders and citizens.
