United States 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. In March of each year this extremely competitive merit-based program brings together 104 of the most outstanding high school students.

The mission of the United States Senate Youth Program is to provide a yearly opportunity for selected students to gain an in-depth view of the Senate and the federal government overall as well as a deeper understanding of the interrelationship of the legislative, judicial and executive branches. The program provides a foundation of knowledge and encouragement for those considering a future of public service on the local, state or national level.

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 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 participate in meetings with the president and a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

The 104 student delegates also receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship to the college or university of their choice with encouragement to continue coursework in government and history. The Hearst Foundation has fully funded the USSYP since its inception, including transportation, accommodations, meals and individual college scholarships – no government funds are ever utilized.

Selection Process

Qualified high school junior or seniors must show demonstrated leadership by serving in elected or appointed positions in which they are actively representing a constituency in organizations related to student government, education, public affairs and community service. They must be actively serving in qualified leadership positions, enrolled in high school and living in New Hampshire for the entire 2024-2025 academic year (Note: Students may reside in another state if they are enrolled in the only designated public high school available to them in a district that crosses contiguous state borders through legal interstate agreement). All student leadership positions are subject to the judgement and verification of the state selection administrators.

Selection will be based on the student’s outstanding abilities and demonstrated qualities of leadership in an elected or appointed high school student office for the entire 2024-2025 school year. The primary purposes of the qualifying leadership position must be representation of a constituency and service to others. A student who graduates high school at the close of the fall semester / quarter is not eligible to apply for the program, and students other than DoDEA delegates must be residing in New Hampshire during the entire 2024-2025 academic year to participate.

Application Process

In New Hampshire each high school principal may nominate one eligible junior or senior student for the United States Senate Youth Program. The nomination form should be accurately completed and signed by the student, at least one parent or guardian, and nominating principal. Please visit the USSYP Website for more detailed information regarding the program. The 63rd annual USSYP program will be held March 1-8, 2025.

Applications for the 63rd annual program are now open! 2025 USSYP Application

To review the 2025 brochure, visit USSYP brochure for details on dates, policies, and application criteria.

2025 USSYP National Press Release