What is the United States Senate Youth Program?

The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), established in 1962 by U.S. Senate Resolution, is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service. Two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity will spend a week in Washington experiencing their national government in action. Student delegates will hear major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies, as well as participate in a meeting with a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition, each delegate will also be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate studies, with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science.

The 63rd annual United States Senate Youth Program Washington Week is being planned for March 1 - 8, 2025.

All eligible students are encouraged to apply. Students must attend the program to receive the scholarship. Regardless of platform, all student delegates will partake in a comprehensive, interactive leadership program in the stated timeframe, and each will receive the $10,000 college scholarship in the name of the United States Senate.

For additional information, please review the USSYP brochure on the website at https://ussenateyouth.org/.

Each student applicant must be a permanent resident of the United States and currently a junior or senior enrolled in a public or private high school. The school must be located in the state in which either one of the applicant's parents or guardians legally reside. The student applicant must currently be serving in an elected capacity in any one of the following student government, civic or educational organizations and continue to serve in that elected position for the entire 2024-2025 school year:

• Student body: President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer
• Class President, Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer
• Student Council: Representative
• District, regional, or state-level civic or educational organizations: Representative.
• School clubs (e.g., Chess Club) are not considered civic or educational organizations.

A student attending a school located in a state other than the state of legal residence of his or her parents or guardians is not eligible. Selection will be based on academic accomplishments, community service, and demonstrated qualities of leadership for the current school year. Students may qualify to apply through leadership positions they currently hold per the USSYP official criteria for the current 2024-2025 academic year. All student leadership positions are subject to the judgement and verification of the state selection administrators.

Who is eligible to apply? Each student applicant must meet all of the following criteria:

• U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident (proof required)
• Currently enrolled in an accredited public or private high school
• Currently serve in an elected or selected capacity in any one of the following student government, civic, or educational organizations: student body president, vice-president, secretary, or treasurer
  • class president, vice-president, secretary, or treasurer
  • student council representative
  • student representative elected or appointed (appointed by a panel, commission, or board) to a district, regional, or state-level civic and/or educational organization approved by the state selection administrator

What are the requirements? Each student application must meet the following required guidelines:

• Demonstrate leadership qualities through public service in elected or appointed positions
• Actively serve in qualified leadership positions for the entire 2024-2025 academic year
• Exhibit high academic achievement
• Understand U.S. government and history
• Involved in school and community activities
• Write with clarity, express ideas in an organized and original fashion, and appropriate use of standard English
• Exhibit excellent interpersonal skills
• Participate in school and community activities
• Attend Washington Week, 2025. March 1-8, 2025
• Must attend an interview (video conference) with the selection committee.

All high schools can nominate students, additionally, students may self-nominate. Students can be nominated by completing the student nomination form. All nominations must be submitted by 5 pm September 27, 2024. You can access the nomination form here.

Nominated students will receive an application on by October 2, 2024. Students must submit their full application by 5 PM, November 1, 2024. Applications must include:

• Application
• Essays
• Four letters of recommendation

Completed applications must be submitted by 5pm on November 1, 2024. Please submit letters of recommendation to Amanda Hughes at amanda.hughes@doe.nv.gov.

Who do I contact if I have additional questions? If you have any questions regarding the United States Senate Youth Program, please contact: Amanda Hughes at amanda.hughes@doe.nv.gov.