Sumter EMC is now accepting applications from local high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors for the 2024 Washington Youth Tour (WYT). Four students will be selected for the all-expenses-paid leadership experience in Washington, D.C., June 14-21, 2024.  

The WYT allows outstanding students to visit famous historical sites, meet state legislators, and build friendships with peers across Georgia. Participants gain insight into government, leadership, and the cooperative business model. 

Students will tour landmarks like the US Capitol, Smithsonian Museums, Arlington National Cemetery, and Mount Vernon. The jam-packed itinerary also features a riverboat cruise on the Potomac River, plus plenty of fun. 

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip where students gain a deeper understanding of democracy and civic leadership," said Tonya Jones, Community Relations Manager at Sumter EMC. "We invest in youth programs to develop our next generation of leaders." 

The competition is open to all sophomores, juniors, and seniors who will be sixteen by June 14, 2024, and live in or attend a school in Marion, Schley, Sumter, Webster, Lee, Terrell, Chattahoochee, or Stewart County. Students not residing in or attending a school in the above counties are eligible if their parents are members of Sumter EMC and live within the cooperative's service area. The cooperative's service area is Marion, Schley, Sumter, Webster, Dougherty, Lee, Randolph, Terrell, Chattahoochee, and Stewart counties. 

Contest rules, eligibility requirements, and online applications are available at www.sumteremc.com/wyt. All applications are due by February 2, 2024. For any other questions, please contact Tonya Jones at tonya.jones@sumteremc.com.