Program Overview
The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is a unique and annual educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service. Typically, two student leaders from each state will spend a week in Washington, DC experiencing their national government in action. Selected 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 is awarded a $12,500 college scholarship for undergraduate studies, with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science.
The 65th annual United States Senate Youth Program Washington Week will be held in-person in Washington, DC from March 6-13, 2027. Selected delegates must attend Washington Week to receive the scholarship.
2026 USSYP DC Delegates
Nyla Dinkins, Benjamin Banneker Academic High School
Marie-Celeste Pessey, School Without Walls High School
2026 USSYP DC Delegate Alternates
Jaala Brown, Benjamin Banneker Academic High School and
Sitara Mazumdar, BASIS DC Public Charter School
The 2027 USSYP application opens in August 2026!
You may access the application, instructions, and timeline on the application page.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Delegates from the District of Columbia must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Students are permanent residents of the US, and one of their parents or guardians is a legal resident of Washington, DC.
- Students are juniors or seniors in a Washington, DC school in school year 2026-27.
- Students must have been elected or appointed to one of the following posts for the current school year (2026-27 school year).
- 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 in a year-round capacity providing service to others.
- JROTC students who hold officer-level leadership positions, often called Cadet Corps Commanders, within their cadet corps for the entire academic year
The following positions/memberships DO NOT qualify a student for the program:
- Attendance or officer position at Boys/Girls Nation or State summer conference
- Member of the National Honor Society (serving as an elected officer for the organization for the entire school year is acceptable)
- Member or leader of the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts
- A founder or chairperson of a self-created group
- A participant, captain or officer in Mock Trial, Debate Team, Model U.N. or other academic club, conference or competition where the primary engagement is for the individual educational enrichment
Note: The primary purposes of the qualifying leadership position must be representation of a constituency and service to others. All qualifying student leadership positions are subject to the judgment of the state selection administrator and will be verified and confirmed.
Additional Resources
State Selection Coordinator:
Emily Webster
[email protected]
Office of the State Superintendent of Education
Division of Postsecondary and Career Education
1050 First St. NE, Fifth Floor
Washington, DC 20002