2026 NRECA Youth Programs Staff Assistant Application

2026 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour Staff Assistant Application
Hey there!

You already know what this program is all about, and honestly, that's exactly why we want you back.

We're so excited that you're considering applying to be a Staff Assistant for the 2026–2027 Cycle of NRECA's Youth Programs. You've seen firsthand what a week in DC can do for a delegate. Now it's your turn to be the reason it happens for someone else.

Here's what the year looks like, if you’re selected:
- The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour is back at the Gaylord at National Harbor: one hotel, nearly every state, one unforgettable week. You'll return to DC from June 13–22, 2026. (Dates subject to change based on need.)
- The Youth Leadership Council (YLC) Summer Program kicks off in Washington, DC, from July 20–24, 2026. As a Staff Assistant for YLC, you'll lead a small group of students through their entire year on the council, virtual meetings, speech prep, big questions, and everything in between, from July through March. It's one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
- You'll also represent NRECA's Youth Programs at PowerXchange and TechAdvantage Expo in San Diego, California, from Feb. 12-17, 2027.
This role is a lot of work and it's absolutely worth it. If you have any questions, reach out at the email below. We'd love to hear from you.

Applications are due by April 5, 2026, at Midnight EST.

If you have any questions or issues with the application, please don't hesistate to reach out!

Cale McCall

NRECA Youth Programs Manager

YouthPrograms@NRECA.coop

Personal Information

Please make sure the information you are submitting is accurate and is as up-to-date and thorough as possible.
Legal First Name*
Legal Middle Name
Legal Last Name*
Preferred Name*
Non-school Email Address*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
What state did attend Youth Tour with either in-person or virtually? *
What co-op did you attend Youth Tour with?
What year, either in-person or virtually, did you attend Youth Tour? *
Who was your state's Youth Tour Director? *
YesNo
What year did you attend NRECA's PowerXchange and TechAdvantage?
How old will you be on June 14, 2026?*
Preferred Airport for June Travel to Youth Tour. Please provide both the full airport name and three-digit airport code. For example, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) *

Emergency Contact Information*

Rows	First Name	Last Name	Email	Phone Number	Relationship
Contact 1
Contact 2
Contact 3

Shirt Size (for T-Shirts, Quarter Zips, Polos and Crewnecks) *

Let's Dive Deeper.
This is your time to shine.

The questions below are designed to help us understand how you think, how you lead, and how you show up for the people around you. There are no trick questions — we just want to get to know the real you.

Before you dive in, you'll also need to submit a 2- to 3-minute video introducing yourself. Tell us who you are, what you've been up to since Youth Tour, and why you want to come back as a Staff Assistant. No script, no studio — keep it simple and authentic.

If you have any questions, reach out to Cale McCall at YouthPrograms@NRECA.coop.
Tell us about a time you were responsible for a group of people — whether that was leading a team, managing a project, or looking out for others in a high-pressure situation. What did you do, and what did you learn about yourself as a leader?*
Think about a team you've been a part of where not everyone clicked right away. What did you do to help the group work better together, and how did you make sure no one felt left out of the process?*
This role asks a lot: early mornings, late nights, constant communication, and giving your full energy to delegates even when you're running on empty. What's driving you to show up for this, and what does dedication to something look like for you in practice?*
Beyond your leadership and people skills, what else do you bring to the table? Whether it's photography, videography, social media, graphic design, CPR certification, or something else entirely. Tell us about the specific skills and talents you'd put to work as a Staff Assistant.
Upload your two- to three-minute video here. If you're completing this on your phone, you can film it in-app or upload a video from your camera roll. Remember, you should answer the following questions: introduce yourself, share what you’re doing now, and highlight what you’ll bring to the table this summer if selected and why you want to be a Staff Assistant. *

Upload your video as an MP4
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The Rules.

Please review and sign below. If you are chosen as a Staff Assistant, these will be followed from when you arrive in Washington, D.C., and Nashville until you leave. If any of the rules are broken, you will be sent home at your own expense.
These rules are established to ensure your safety and the integrity of NRECA's Youth Programs. Breaking these rules may result in your dismissal from the program at your own expense and prohibit your participation in any other NRECA opportunities, including future internship considerations.

1. Regardless of your age, absolutely no alcohol, tobacco, vaping or drugs will be permitted. This includes after hours, in hotel rooms, or in the event you participate in an outing independent of NRECA.

2. You are an authority figure, but you are not expected to set boundaries. If there are questions or requests (even if they are from an adult) that result in a rule being bent or broken, bring the situation to Cale and together, you can make the appropriate decision.

3. You are not to leave the hotel or designated area without permission from Cale.

4. There are to be absolutely no romantic exchanges whatsoever with YLC or Youth Tour delegates. Do not put yourself in a position where this has the possibility or perception of occurring.

5. Choose your words carefully. Your texts, social media posts, pictures and emails can be captured, retrieved, and used anytime. Be smart with any written or verbal communication.

6. You will be expected to respond to emails, texts, GroupMe messages, etc. promptly.

7. When in doubt, ask! If you are unsure about anything, please speak with our staff. This protects both you and the program.

8. You need to be a team player. Yes, we have a lot of fun, but there will be late nights, early mornings and possibly some aspects you're not too excited about. It's all part of what we do, and you're expected to show up on time with a good attitude and a cooperative spirit.

9. Share your positive experiences! Youth Tour is an incredible opportunity! Staff Assistants are chosen for this role because they stand out as leaders and are enthusiastic about the programs. Please promote the positives and report the negatives to Cale to ensure the program thrives
By signing below, I understand the above rules and agree to follow them. I also understand that any deviation from the expectation set forth can result in my termination from NRECA's programs and professional opportunities at my own expense. *

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2026 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour Staff Assistant Application

Personal Information

Let's Dive Deeper.

The Rules.