Youth Tour is more than a whirlwind tour of the capital’s many monuments and museums. It’s about sharing meaningful experiences and unforgettable moments—big and small, somber and silly—that will leave a lasting impression for years to come. But don’t just take our word for it. These recent alumni can tell you what the trip is all about.
Government in Action
"If it weren’t for Youth Tour, I would have never known that I had a hidden passion for politics."
—Kaleigh Blaschke, Fayette EC, 2017
Sing It Loud, Sing It Proud: ‘TEXAS’
“It all began in Austin, and when you are with about 150 Texans in the capital of Texas, you are obliged to sing Deep in the Heart of Texas with your loudest and proudest voice. Not only did we sing Texas’ theme song, but we also yelled ‘yeehaw!’ at least 50 times a day.”
—Rebekah Halepaska, San Patricio EC, 2018
The Perks
“We get to hang out in really nice hotels—for free.
We get to eat food that we didn’t pay for.
We get to go to D.C. and look at all that stuff for free.
What’s not to love?”
—Anna Willits, Taylor EC, 2019
Hope for the Future
“Seeing how Americans, through all of the good and bad in our history, have come together to forge this great nation through blood, iron and willpower is amazing. This fills me with pride for both my homeland and my people and gives me hope for the future.”
—Tim Bogan, Trinity Valley EC, 2019
Words of Advice
“Don’t worry if you don’t know anyone going. By the end of the trip, you will feel like you have known these people all your life.”
—Logan Paetzold, Deaf Smith EC, 2019
Best Bed Head
2019 Nueces EC participants Emily McClendon (left) and Alyssa Rodriguez show off their hairstyles.
Don't Miss Next Year's Tour!
“Don’t trick yourself into believing it’s like other trips you may have been on. This is such a unique experience that is sure to blow you away.”
—Tanner David, San Bernard EC, 2019
“It’s astonishing how many things you can do in Washington, D.C., in just one day.”
—Evan Herchek, San Bernard EC, 2019
“The people were my favorite part. Yes, the monuments and museums were cool and all, but the friendships and connections I made are what made it the trip of a lifetime.”
—Dylan Martin, Taylor EC, 2019
“I took away a lot of life lessons. Being able to step out of your comfort zone was a big one when meeting new people.”
—Monica Hernandez, Jackson EC, 2019