U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP)

The U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP), administered by The Hearst Foundations, selects two high school students from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity to participate in a fully funded, weeklong Washington Week in Washington, D.C. Delegates meet with U.S. Senators, congressional staff, and other federal officials to observe the national government in action and learn how federal policy is made. In addition to the Washington experience, each delegate receives a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship for study at an accredited U.S. institution.

This program is ideal for high school juniors and seniors who are highly engaged in student government, civic leadership, or public service and who are considering careers in government, law, public policy, or related fields. Candidates are typically required to hold or have held an elected or appointed student government position and demonstrate strong interest in public affairs and civic engagement. On college applications, participation in USSYP signals selective national recognition, sustained leadership, and a serious commitment to public service—qualities that align strongly with competitive admissions criteria.

Students interested in applying should review their state-specific eligibility rules and selection process on the official website: https://ussenateyouth.org. Applications are coordinated at the state level, often through state departments of education or designated education officials.

How much does U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP) cost?

We have not verified what U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP) costs. Our catalog holds no confirmed price for it, and an unpriced entry means exactly that — unpriced, not free. Check the official site before assuming either way.

What is the application deadline for U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP)?

Our catalog holds December 1, 2026, carried over from U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP)'s previous cycle, and we have not found that date on the program's own page — so treat it as a placeholder, not a deadline, and confirm it at https://ussenateyouth.org.

Who is eligible for U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP)?

U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is open to high school students in grades 11–12. Its official page puts it as “high school junior or senior”. Some programs add requirements a grade range cannot capture — GPA, coursework, essays, recommendations — so read the full criteria there.

Is U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP) online or in person?

U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is an in-person program based in Washington, DC.

How do I apply to U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP)?

Apply directly through The Hearst Foundations's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.