The United States Senate Youth Program: A Gateway to National Leadership

The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) stands as a unique educational experience, offering outstanding high school students a remarkable opportunity to engage with the highest levels of American government. It is an avenue for motivated student leaders to have direct contact with the highest-level elected and appointed officials in the nation.

A Program Endorsed by the Senate

In 1962, the United States Senate demonstrated its commitment to youth engagement by unanimously endorsing a nationwide program designed to bring high school students to Washington, D.C. This initiative was formally created and authorized through Senate Resolution 234, which has been consistently reauthorized ever since, underscoring the program's enduring value. The original resolution specified that the program be "supported by private funds with no expense to the federal government”. As a result, the Hearst Foundations assumed financial support of the program and continues its sponsorship today.

Experiencing Government in Action

Each year, the USSYP brings the highest-level officials from each branch of government to meet with this outstanding group of young leaders-two high school juniors or seniors from each of the fifty states, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA)- for an intensive week-long education and leadership program to be held in Washington, D.C.. This merit-based and highly competitive program selects two student leaders from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). These delegates converge in Washington, D.C., to witness their national government in action, gaining invaluable insights into its operations.

Delegates will hear major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials of the Departments of State and Defense, leaders of other federal agencies and senior members of the national media. Supreme Court and the president of the United States.

Washington Week

The 64th annual United States Senate Youth Program Washington Week is being planned to be held in person in Washington, D.C. March 7-14, 2026. Throughout this immersive experience, students engage with senators and members of the House of Representatives in seminars and briefings, and they meet with officials from the executive and judicial branches, including the Supreme Court.

The Hearst Foundations will pay all expenses for Washington Week including transportation, hotel and meals. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses will be provided by The Hearst Foundations.

Financial Support and Scholarship

Beyond the enriching experience of Washington Week, students selected to attend will each receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship. 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. Each student will also receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science. Delegates must participate in Washington Week in accordance with all program rules and policies in order to receive the financial scholarship.

Eligibility and Application

Students must be actively serving in high-level elected or appointed leadership positions to qualify to apply. Students may qualify to apply through leadership positions they currently hold per the USSYP official criteria for the current academic year. All student leadership qualifying positions are subject to the judgment of the state selection administrator and will be verified and confirmed.

The 2026 US Senate Youth Program brochure outlines eligibility requirements for participating in the United States Senate Youth Program. Is a high school junior or senior enrolled for the entire academic year (through spring 2026) in a Massachusetts high school. The principal of a New York State high school may select one or more candidates for this statewide competition. Any high school junior or senior is eligible.

Leadership and Public Service

Senate Youth Program opportunity should be participating in and able to show a history, prior to the year of application submission, of leadership, public service, and government or civic related activities. Participation or holding an officer position in academic clubs, educational competition programs/conferences, or organizations designed primarily for the student’s personal development do not qualify a student for the USSYP. Participation or holding an officer position in academic clubs, educational competition programs/conferences, or organizations designed primarily for the student’s personal development do not qualify a student for the USSYP. A participant, captain or officer in Mock Trial, Debate Team, Model U.N.

Application Process

The application period for the 2025-2026 contest has ended. The sample application materials below are provided so applicants may view the questions and information to be completed on the online submission. DO NOT attempt to fill in or use the PDF documents for your application.

Key Dates

Oct. - Applications dueOct. 2-17, 2025 - Screening of applicationsWeek of Oct. 20, 2025 - Top four applications will be notifiedOct. 27-Nov. 12, 2025 - Top four applicants participate in interview processBy Dec. The national deadline for all states to submit their delegate selections is Dec. 1, 2025.

Required Materials

Principal Certification Letter (323.68 KB) .pdf - Have your principal sign this form PRIOR to starting the application process.Parent/Guardian Certification Letter (325.68 KB) .pdf - You must have your parents/guardians complete this form prior to submitting an applicationVideo presentation: Public speaking is a core component of the United States Senate Youth Program. Prepare a short video (no longer than 3 minutes in length) on the following topic: Imagine that you are a newly elected Senator from Iowa. Describe who you are and why you are proud to represent Iowa. Tell us any personal characteristics you feel will make you an effective leader in Washington D.C.

Conduct and Expectations

Delegates will be the guests of the United States Senate and The Hearst Foundations throughout the program, whether in person or online, and are required to conduct themselves with civility, dignity and professionalism. Debate and discussion are actively encouraged in an environment of tolerance, respect and inclusion. Students selected to the program are serving as at-large public representatives of their states, communities and schools, and attend the program to learn from the speakers and from one another. Students are prohibited from engaging in lobbying, petitioning, protest or overt political activism during Washington Week. The two (2) delegates chosen to represent Massachusetts will receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship and be required to attend Washington Week in Washington D.C. on March 7 - 14, 2026.

Alumni Success

Numbering more than 6,100, USSYP alumni serve the country in many ways. They have become leaders in government, law, business, education, journalism, the military, medicine, health care, higher education and many other fields. Alumni serve as elected and appointed officials at all levels of government, including a current United States senator, a current cabinet secretary, many congressional staff members, a former governor, former senior political advisors to the president of the United States, former ambassadors and former federal judges.

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