U.S. 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. Each year, two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity spend a week in Washington, D.C., experiencing their national government in action. Student delegates hear major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies. Delegates also participate in a meeting with a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition, each delegate will be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses are provided by the Hearst Foundations.

Massachusetts delegates must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Students are citizens or permanent residents of the U.S., and one of their parents or guardians is a legal resident of Massachusetts.
2. Students are juniors or seniors and attending a Massachusetts high school through graduation in 2025.
3. Students must be interested in and participating in leadership, public service, and government related activities.
4. Students must be able to attend the entire 2025 in-person or online Washington Week program, March 1 – 8, 2025. Parents/guardians must sign the application acknowledging the student, if selected as a delegate, has permission to attend the full Washington Week.
5. Student applications must be signed by the high school principal, guidance counselor, history/government teacher or designated representative confirming all student information, and that the student holds the leadership positions on their application.
6. Students must have been elected or appointed to a qualifying leadership post for the current school year.

Qualifying leadership posts include, but are not limited to:

• Member or officer of student council, student senate or equivalent student government organization
• Class officer — president, vice president, secretary, or treasurer
• Student representative on a district, regional or state-level civic and/or educational organization

Note: Being a member or founder of a group or organization does not qualify a student for the USSYP. A position such as NHS or JROTC member is not a qualifier, however, being an officer in NHS or an equivalent discipline-based honor society, a position obtained though election, or commander in JROTC would qualify. Attending Boys State or Girls State during the summer does not qualify a student even if they were serving in an elected position during the summer

Application Timelines for the 2024-25 School Year

The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) Washington Week will be held March 1–8, 2025. Two students from each state will be selected to attend the program and each will receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship. Students may qualify to apply through leadership positions they currently hold per the USSYP official criteria for the current 2024-2025 academic year. All student leadership qualifying positions are subject to the judgement of the state selection administrator and will be verified and confirmed. ***

• September: Program information, application and instructions available.
• October 9: Deadline for completed applications to be sent via email to:
  • Donna Taylor, Massachusetts USSYP Coordinator — donnam.taylor@mass.gov
  • Any applications received on October 10 or later, will not be considered.
  • Any incomplete applications will not be considered, and the applicant will not be contacted.
• By November 1: Up to 10 finalists will be notified of advancement to the final round.
• November: The finalists will convene virtually for the final competition with a selection committee.
• December 1: Deadline for Hearst Foundation to be notified of Massachusetts' two delegates and two alternates.
• By the end of January: The two finalists and two alternates will be notified and announced.

Program Information:

• 2025 U.S. Senate Youth Program Brochure

2024-25 Massachusetts Application Materials

• Application Guidelines including Essay Topics

• Application Form including application material checklist

Last Updated: August 28, 2024