Thirty-six teens representing 21 South Dakota electric cooperatives traveled to the Washington, D.C., area June 15–21 for the 2025 South Dakota Youth Tour.

The program traces its roots to a 1957 speech by Lyndon B. Johnson, who urged electric cooperatives to send young people to the nation’s capital so they “can actually see what the flag stands for and represents.” Since South Dakota sent its first group in 1963, more than 1,300 students have represented the Rushmore State on this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The 2025 group visited many of the D.C. most historic and impactful sites, including Ford’s Theater—the site of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination in 1865. Their visit, which took place on Juneteenth, added a layer of reflection on the nation’s path toward emancipation and equality. The group continued to explore themes of patriotism and national history throughout the week, viewing the Star-Spangled Banner at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives, and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing where a significant amount of the nation’s money is printed.

Students also met with South Dakota’s congressional leaders, including U.S. Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds, and had the chance to connect with Youth Tour participants from 44 other states. Together, they toured many of the nation’s most treasured landmarks, including the U.S. Supreme Court, the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, and more.

At the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, students concluded their trip with NRECA-led events, where they heard an inspiring message about perseverance and leadership from Youth Day keynote speaker Mike Schlappi, a four-time Paralympic medalist in U.S.A. men’s wheelchair basketball.

“The Youth Tour was a once in a lifetime experience,” said Abby VanderLinden with Lake Region. “There are so many opportunities you get to partake in that you experience on a regular family trip. My favorite part was the holocaust museum and being able to talk to two ladies that survived. It was the most eye-opening museum and it changed my perspective on life.”