Over the last year or so, my desire to serve our country and attend the United States Military Academy at West Point has turned into my single greatest goal in life. After participating in the United States Senate Youth Program, I have a newfound appreciation for our democracy, and I am newly invigorated to spend the next decade of my life dedicated to its service.
U.S. 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 typically hear from Senators, cabinet members, directors of other federal agencies, members of the national media, Supreme Court justices, and other leaders. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses will be provided by The William Randolph Hearst Foundation. 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. For additional information, please review the 2023 United States Senate Youth Brochure (PDF).
The 2023 USSYP Washington Week dates are March 4-11, 2023.
Please watch this video of the 2022 USSYP Washington Week.
Special Statement: The USSYP Washington Week program may be held online pending public health guidance and status of large group access to the government venues traditionally visited. If held in person, all delegates will be required to be fully vaccinated and boosted to attend.
All eligible students are encouraged to apply. A final decision regarding the in-person program will be determined in the fall of 2022, with adequate time for students to complete the full vaccination series prior to travel. If held online, vaccination status will not be required. 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.
Application
All interested students must submit the online application by midnight on September 12, 2022. Applications must be submitted online; no mailed in applications will be accepted. Applicants should plan to submit all materials at one time as the submission site does not allow you to return to a partially completed application.
Application requires:
- Completed online application
- One-page student résumé
- Principal letter of support
- Essay should be 300-500 words and should not have any student-identifying marks (name, school, grade, etc).
- The essay topic is: “Legislators are elected to represent their constituency. Should members of Congress follow the delegate theory of representation or the trustee theory of representation? Which theory would embody your leadership style as an elected member of Congress?
Please direct all questions related to the application process to Foundation Civic Education Program Manager Joseph O’Connor.

Timeline
(subject to change)
- July 18 – Application window opens
- September 12 – Applications due
- September 29 – Applicants advancing to the Top Ten notified
- October 15 – Top Ten interview day
- December 1 – Delegates and Alternates announced
- March 4-11, 2023 – Washington Week
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be currently serving in an elected or appointed position representing a constituency during the entire school year
- Must be a junior or senior attending high school in the U.S. through graduation
- Interested in and participating in leadership, public service, and government-related activities
- Able to attend the entire Washington Week
- High School principal must provide a letter of support and verify student’s participation in the leadership activities within this letter.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident at the time of application.
- Students who are not U.S. citizens must be in possession of their I-551/”green card” at the time of application and throughout Washington Week
- Review the 2023 United States Senate Youth Brochure (PDF) for complete rules and details

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Director of Civic Education
Tim Kalgreen
[email protected] -
Civic Education Program Manager
Joseph O’Connor
[email protected]