For over 60 years, the electric cooperatives of Illinois have allowed tomorrow’s leaders to learn from today’s public officials. EnerStar is on the hunt for two outstanding students to represent our cooperative at the Youth Day in Springfield and the Youth Tour to Washington! The Association of Illinois Cooperatives (AIEC) coordinates the events.

Youth Day in Springfield - March 25, 2026

Get a firsthand look at democracy in action! Along with 300 outstanding students from across Illinois, meet your elected representatives during the Illinois Electric Cooperative Youth Day at the State Capitol and tour our state capital's important sites.

Youth to Washington - June 15-22, 2026

EnerStar's student representatives will travel by charter bus for an all-expenses-paid, week-long tour of Washington, D.C. During this trip, they will create lasting memories while visiting essential sites, including Gettysburg, George Washington's Mt. Vernon, the Smithsonian museums, Arlington Cemetery, and more!

Selection Process

  • Applicants must be freshmen, sophomores, or juniors during the fall semester of the year when the trip occurs.
  • Applicants must reside in a home served by EnerStar Electric Cooperative.
  • Two winners will be selected to represent EnerStar.

Applications due January 31, 2026

Need Further Information? Reach out to us at 1-800-635-4145 or youthtour@enerstar.com 

EnerStar Electric Cooperative Youth to Washington Application
If selected, the student’s social security number will only be used for building entry security purposes.
One file only.
10 MB limit.
Allowed types: gif, jpg, png, svg.
By submitting this application, I verify my eligibility to participate in the Youth Day/Tour events, including Youth Day and Youth Tour. Box must be checked by student completing application
I hereby give my consent for the above-named student to participate in the Youth Day in Springfield and the Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. if selected as a winner. Box must be checked by the parent or guardian of the above student.
By signing this application, you hereby grant your consent and permission to EnerStar Electric Cooperative and its affiliates, members, successors and assigns (“EnerStar Electric Cooperative”) to use the image(s) of the applicant. Such use includes the collection, display, disclosure, distribution, publication, transmission, or otherwise use of photographs, images, and/or video taken of the applicant for use in printed and online materials including, but not limited to, brochures, magazines, and newsletters; videos and social media, including, but not limited to, EnerStar’s website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

By submitting this application, you agree that these images may be used by EnerStar Electric Cooperative for a variety of purposes and that these images may be used without further notifying the applicant. The applicant understands that the his or her name may be used in conjunction with any video or images.