Leaders in the Making

Forty students from around New Mexico traveled to Washington, D.C., as part of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Youth Tour.

Since 1964, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association has coordinated the Youth Tour, bringing high school students from across the country to Washington, D.C., for a life-changing week. In New Mexico, local electric cooperatives sponsor exceptional sophomores, juniors and seniors to take part in this unforgettable, all-expenses-paid experience.

This year, 40 students and five chaperones kicked off their adventure in Santa Fe with a visit to the state Capitol. There, they met Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and toured the House and Senate chambers.

After arriving in the nation’s capital, they settled into the Gaylord National Resort and set out to explore American history firsthand.

“Our days were packed with unforgettable experiences—touring the National Mall, monuments, Smithsonian museums and Arlington National Cemetery during a moving wreath-laying ceremony,” says Talia Storch, NMRECA Youth Tour coordinator and one of the trip’s chaperones. “Youth Tour students also networked by trading pins, enjoyed a Potomac River dinner cruise, visited the Holocaust Memorial Museum and attended an inspiring Youth Day event. Their respectful behavior, curiosity and enthusiasm made this journey a tremendous success.”

Trip highlights included standing beneath the Lincoln Memorial, visiting the World War II and Korean War veterans memorials and taking in breathtaking views from the top of the Washington Monument. Students learned about democracy through visits with New Mexico’s congressional delegation and a tour of the House Gallery.

They also built friendships and memories to last a lifetime.

“Over the course of the week, I watched these 17- and 18-year-olds grow in confidence, leadership and awareness as they explored our nation’s capital,” chaperone Jennifer Peabody says. “It was fulfilling to support them through new experiences—a couple of them flying or traveling far from home for the first time. The energy, curiosity and respect these young leaders brought to every stop made the long days totally worthwhile.”

The Youth Tour isn’t just a trip—it’s a life-changing experience where students discover the power of leadership, civic engagement and connection. Participants gain a deeper understanding of American democracy and their own potential to make a difference.

“This year’s group of students impressed us all with their curiosity, leadership and enthusiasm,” NMRECA CEO Vince Martinez says. “There’s no doubt they each have a bright future ahead, and we can’t wait to see the incredible things they will accomplish.”

Thank You to All Who Helped

Our Participating Cooperatives
We sincerely thank the following electric cooperatives for their invaluable support of this year’s Youth Tour. Their dedication to empowering young people and investing in their futures makes this life-changing experience possible. Thank you for helping inspire the next generation of leaders.

• Central New Mexico Electric Cooperative

• Central Valley Electric Cooperative

• Columbus Electric Cooperative

• Continental Divide Electric Cooperative

• Farmers’ Electric Cooperative

• Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative

• Lea County Electric Cooperative

• Mora San Miguel Electric Cooperative

• Otero County Electric Cooperative

• Roosevelt County Electric Cooperative

• Socorro Electric Cooperative

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Our Wonderful Chaperones
Thank you to our chaperones for their dedication and care in guiding our students on this unforgettable journey. The commitment ensured everyone had a safe, enriching and inspiring experience in Washington, D.C. We appreciate all you do to support our youth and help shape the leaders of tomorrow.

• Sylvia Padilla, Central New Mexico Electric Cooperative

• Tina Trujillo, Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative

• Talia Storch, NMRECA Youth Tour Coordinator

• Ruben Archuleta, husband of Tina Trujillo

• Jennifer Peabody, NMRECA

Want to see more moments from this year’s tour?

Visit facebook.com/nmrecoops for photos and to keep up with New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Contact your local cooperative or the NMRECA to learn how you can join next year’s Youth Tour

Take Part in Youth Tour ’26

Who is eligible?
Youth Tour is open to high school students who:

• Live in New Mexico and are served by a rural electric cooperative.

• Are currently enrolled as a sophomore, junior or senior.

• Exhibit leadership potential, community involvement and a genuine interest in government, history or public service.

How to Apply

• Check with your local cooperative. Ask your local rural electric cooperative for an application. Your co-op can confirm your eligibility and application details. Each cooperative has specific requirements and deadlines, so it is important to reach out early.

• Complete the application form. Applications typically include a short essay, a letter of recommendation and basic information about you and your interests. Be sure to highlight what makes you a strong candidate for Youth Tour.