US Senate Youth Program

US Senate Youth Program is sponsored by The Hearst Foundations (administered by state departments of education, e.g., Arizona Department of Education). A unique educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service. Two student leaders from each state spend a week in Washington D.

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Two student leaders from each state and the District of Columbia are selected to participate in a week-long government leadership program in Washington, DC (all expenses paid). The students engage in a series of seminars and briefings with Senators and members of the House of Representatives, and meet with officials of the executive and judicial branches of government.

Each student delegate will also receive a one-time $10,000 college scholarship, provided that two full courses in United States, government, history, and/or political science are taken by the student at an accredited institution during the student’s future college or university career.

The 64th annual USSYP Washington Week will be in Washington, DC from: 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.

The student must hold a high-level leadership position in any one of the following student government, civic or educational organizations during the entire 2025-2026 academic year academic year under rule 1 (a-e) of the USSYP brochure , subject to verification and the judgement of the state selection administrator: Student Body president, vice president, secretary, or treasurer Class president, vice president, secretary, or treasurer Student Council representative A National Honor Society officer (including discipline-based Honor Societies such as the National English and Social Studies Honor Societies that include service components) Student representative elected or appointed (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, where the student holds a position of representation to a constituency providing service to others A student who is a representative to a district, regional or state-level civic or education organization may also be nominated.

​See USSYP brochure for further qualification details.

APPLICATION FORM AND INSTRUCTIONS: Complete the online USSYP 2026 Application * along with the following documents: Completed signature form with the following signatures: Official academic transcript with non-weighted GPA Two letters of recommendation Adult advisor to the organization or student body entity * If you are unable to complete the application online, please email NYSenateYouth@nysed.

gov to request an electronic or hard copy. The student application materials must be submitted on or before Wednesday, October 15, 2025 5:00 pm.

For additional questions or if you have any issues submitting the online form please contact: State Selection Administrator, NYS U.S. Senate Youth Program Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) High School Equivalency Test Professional Licenses & Certification Find a school report card Find high school graduation rates Find information about grants Get information about learning standards Get information about my teacher certification Obtain vocational services Verify a licensed professional File an appeal to the Commissioner About the New York State Education Department About the University of the State of New York (USNY) Business Portal for School Administrators FOIL (Freedom of Information Law) Incorporation for Education Corporations New York State Education Building NYSED General Information: (518) 474-3852 ACCES-VR: 1-800-222-JOBS (5627) High School Equivalency: (518) 474-5906 New York State Archives: (518) 474-6926 New York State Library: (518) 474-5355 New York State Museum: (518) 474-5877 Office of Higher Education: (518) 486-3633 Office of the Professions: (518) 474-3817 P-12 Education: (718) 722-2797 Adult Education & Vocational Services Office of Higher Education Office of the Professions