La Plata Electric Association in partnership with The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, or NRECA, is seeking high school juniors to be a part of the National Rural Electric Youth Tour to Washington D.C., set for June 12-18, according to an LPEA news release.

The application deadline is Jan. 12. High school juniors whose households receive electricity from LPEA are eligible to apply.

“The Youth Tour to Washington D.C. is unique to rural electric cooperatives across the country,” said Mike Dreyspring, chief executive officer of LPEA, in the release. “Annually, LPEA and our sister co-ops select and sponsor high school juniors for this all-expenses paid experience to our nation’s capitol. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we encourage our local high school students to apply.”

The Washington D.C. youth tour features an intimate look at the federal government and the nation’s capitol, including museum and monument tours, as well as interaction with Colorado’s elected representatives. Social activities also are part of the adventure.

LPEA seeks to sponsor one student from each municipality within its service territory – Durango, Bayfield, Pagosa Springs and Ignacio. Home schooled students also are eligible to apply.

Applications are available on the LPEA web site, www.lpea.coop, from high school counselors, and at the LPEA offices in Durango and Pagosa Springs.

For further information, contact Jeannie Bennett at 382-3505 or at jbennett@lpea.coop.

vguthrie@durangoherald.com