United States Senate Youth Program

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. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 59th Annual Washington Week was successfully held online. The 60th Annual Washington Week will take place March 5 – 12, 2022, with current planning for a timely national selection process and an in-person program in Washington, D.C., pending public health and safety guidelines for travel and indoor gatherings. Please check this site for updates as we monitor the situation.

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.  All transportation, hotel and meal expenses will be provided by The Hearst Foundations. 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.

To apply a student must meet the following criteria:

·                     High school junior and senior

·                     Must serve in an elected or appointed position representing a constituency during the current (2021-2022) school year – additional information on qualifying positions is included below.

·                     Will be attending high school in Georgia through spring 2022.

·                     The week of March 5-12, 2022, selected students will be required to completely block the timeframe of the program and attend all events in order to serve as delegates and receive the scholarship.

• Must have proof of U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residence (this is a requirement of the national program).

Qualifying Positions

Students must hold one of the following elected or appointed positions during the current (2021-2022) school year.

• Student Body President
• Student Body Vice President
• Student Body Secretary
• Student Body Treasurer
• Student Council Representative
• Class President
• Class Vice President
• Class Secretary
• Class Treasurer
• Student representative elected or appointed (by a panel, commission, or board) to a district-, regional-, or state-level civic or educational organization approved by the state selection administrator.

Students will take the USSYP Public Affairs Exam only if they are selected as a finalist. GaDOE will coordinate with the finalists’ schools to ensure administration of the exam.

If you are interested in applying as a delegate, please complete the application and submit to Dr. Morton by October 18th by 3:00 PM for consideration.