US Senate Youth Program (USSYP) Scholarship

The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) offers $10,000 scholarships and 8 days visit to the Washington D.C. for exceptional high school students. Those interested in pursuing a career in Public Service may apply. Students from all over the US and district of Columbia can apply. Two students from each state will participate in Washington Week from March 1 to March 08, 2025. All expenses including traveling, meals and boarding and lodging are covered under the program. The National deadline for USSYP is December 01, 2024. However, state wise deadlines differ for different states. You can find the deadlines for each state at the end.

The participants of 63rd annual United States Senate Youth Program Washington Week 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 (see How to Apply).

The week will be full of activities, including policy addresses by the mainstream leadership of the country. The speakers include senators, cabinet members, directors of federal agencies and departments, state and defense department officials. Participants will have a chance to meet the President and a justice of the Supreme Court. The program includes $10,000 scholarship for pursuing undergraduate degree program in Political Science and History and a fully funded one week visit to the Washington D.C. Only those who participate in full week activities will be eligible for the scholarship. To apply, please contact your state selection contact.

High School students may apply to USSYP through their school principals, counselors, and teacher. You may also contact the state selection contacts for application process. The State Selection administrators will select the students. US Senate has no role in selection procedure.

USSYP Selection Process

You must be a Senior and junior High School students with demonstrated excellent leadership skills through different school or community activities. Those performing duties or elected or appointed at student organizations, communities, education or community services or public affairs communities have higher chances of being selected. The student actively participating in leadership positions and enrolled in high schools in their districts may apply. Include as many community and volunteer services you have performed in your application. Additionally, participation in co-curricular activities including debates will be a plus point. You must demonstrate excellent communication skills and public speaking skills to qualify. 

If you have one of the following positions, your chances will be higher:

• President, Vice-President, Secretary or Treasurer of the Student Body
• Class President, Vice president, Secretary or treasurer
• Student Council representative
• A National Honor Society officer
• Elected or Selected Student Representative to a local, district, regional or state-level civic, service and/or educational organization. The organization must be approved by the state selection administrator.

Your chances of selection for USSYP Scholarship will be higher if you have 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.  

Alternate delegates will be selected as replacements if a primary delegate is unable to participate in Washington Week. The primary delegate must inform Hearst Foundation in advance if they are unable to attend the activities.

USSYP Deadlines 2024