The United States Senate Youth Program, 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.

The 65th annual United States Senate Youth Program Washington Week will be in Washington, D.C. March 6 – 13, 2027. The national deadline for all states to submit their delegate selections for this session is December 1, 2026. 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. Students must be actively serving in high-level elected or appointed leadership positions to qualify to apply.

Rising high school juniors and seniors may obtain a USSYP application through their high school principals, school counselors and social studies teachers OR they may inquire directly to their state selection contacts using this website (see selection contacts listing on home page). All student delegates to the United States Senate Youth Program are selected by state-level education officials – the United States Senate and The Hearst Foundations do not provide individual states’ applications or choose the delegates and alternates.

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 usually participate in meetings with the President and a Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses will be provided by The Hearst Foundations. In addition, each delegate will also be awarded a $12,500 college scholarship for undergraduate studies, with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science. 

To apply, please contact your state selection contact.

For more details on the United State Senate Youth Program, visit the USSYP website here.