The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), established in 1962 by the U.S. Senate Resolution, is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service. Each year all fifty (50) states, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) open an application, hold interviews, and select two (2) outstanding high school students to attend Washington Week as student delegates.
During Washington Week student leaders will spend a week in Washington D.C., experiencing the federal government in action. Student leaders will hear major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense, and Directors of other federal agencies. Student leaders will visit historical sites, national monuments, and the White House. They will also participate in meetings with a U.S. Supreme Court Justice and the President of the United States. All transportation, hotel, and meal expenses will be provided by The Hearst Foundation.
The 63rd annual United States Senate Youth Program Washington Week is being planned to be held in person in Washington, D.C. March 1-8, 2025.
To qualify, high school juniors or seniors must hold a leadership position for the current 2024-2025 academic year in any one of the following student government, civic, or educational organizations, which include:
- Student body president, vice president, secretary, or treasurer.
- Class president, vice president, secretary, or treasurer.
- Student Council representative.
- National Honor Society officer (including discipline-based Honor Societies such as the National English Society and Social Studies Honor Societies that include service components).
- Student representative (elected or appointed by a panel, commission, or board) to a local, district, regional, or state-level civic, service, and/or educational organization approved by the state selection administrator.
- Students who hold officer-level leadership positions within their cadet corps, often called Cadet Corps Commander. (JROTC cadet alone will NOT qualify).
Students will need to complete the online application. The school principal and or school contact will be notified after the application is submitted to confirm requirements.
