July 23, 2025

CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Nevada Department of Education is pleased to open the nomination period for the 2025-26 United States Senate Youth Program.

All completed nomination packets must be submitted by 5 p.m. PT on Sept. 5.

Two outstanding high school student leaders from Nevada will receive a $10,000 college scholarship and join peers from across the nation on a weeklong educational experience in March 2026 in Washington, D.C.

“The United States Senate Youth Program is a valuable opportunity for Nevada’s student leaders to interact with federal officials and hone their civic knowledge,” said Dr. Steve Canavero, Interim Superintendent of Public Instruction. “We look forward to seeing Nevada’s delegates excel in representing our state at the national level.”

High school juniors or seniors enrolled in a Nevada public or private school are eligible. Students must:

• Hold a current elected or appointed position in student government, civic, or educational organizations.
• Demonstrate academic achievement, civic knowledge, and a passion for public service.
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.

Established in 1962 and sponsored by the Hearst Foundations, the United States Senate Youth Program is a nonpartisan initiative designed to foster leadership, civic engagement, and public service in America’s youth.

During Washington Week, delegates interact with U.S. Senators, members of the Cabinet, Supreme Court justices, and other high-ranking officials.
For more information and to submit a nomination, visit the Nevada Department of Education’s U.S. Senate Youth Program page.

Honoring Nevada’s 2024-25 Delegates

Last year’s Nevada delegates, Sebastian Rios from Leadership Academy of Nevada and Christopher Lee from Bishop Gorman High School, were selected for the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) through a highly competitive statewide process.

“USSYP was more than a trip – it was a launchpad,” Rios said. “Meeting legislators and like-minded peers from across the country reaffirmed my commitment to serve. I left D.C. with a vision for the future and the confidence to pursue it.”

“This program reignited my belief that young people can make a difference,” Lee said. “USSYP gave me the tools, connections, and inspiration to lead with purpose.”

About the Nevada Department of Education

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada’s 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators. Learn more at https://doe.nv.gov/ and join us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.