More time to apply! Bandera Electric Cooperative is excited to announce that applications for its 2026 Youth Programs have been extended to January 31. From an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. through the Government-in-Action Youth Tour to scholarships that support higher education and trade school goals, BEC is proud to invest in the leaders of tomorrow.
Government-in-Action Youth Tour: A Trip of a Lifetime
Imagine standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial as the early morning sun rises over the National Mall. The Washington Monument stands tall in the distance, and the energy of our nation’s capital surrounds you. Now picture experiencing it all alongside hundreds of students from across Texas, making new friends, building confidence, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
Bandera Electric Cooperative is proud to sponsor four local high school students for the 2026 Government-in-Action Youth Tour, taking place June 14–21, 2026. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity brings together nearly 2,000 students statewide for a weeklong adventure in Washington, D.C., with all expenses paid by BEC. Participants will explore world-class museums, powerful memorials, and historic landmarks that bring American history to life while strengthening leadership skills and learning more about the democratic process.
Scholarships: Supporting the Leaders of Tomorrow
In addition to Youth Tour, Bandera Electric is committed to helping students pursue their educational goals. We encourage members and their children to work hard, follow their dreams, and continue learning long after graduation. BEC offers scholarships to local high school and home-schooled graduating seniors, as well as college students. Scholarships may be applied toward tuition, fees, and expenses at any accredited 4-year university or college, junior college, or TEA-approved technical or trade school that offers an associate degree.
The scholarship program was established in 1998 by Bandera Electric Cooperative to encourage and assist in the educational pursuits of its members and their immediate families. Since then, BEC has awarded $250,000 in scholarships. Each year, Bandera Electric awards 10 $2,500 scholarships to students working toward their future.
Apply Today
The deadline to apply for both the 2026 Government-in-Action Youth Tour and BEC scholarships has been extended to January 31, 2026. Don’t miss your chance to explore, grow, and invest in your future through these impactful opportunities.
Learn more and apply at BanderaElectric.com/YouthPrograms.