The U.S. Senate passed a resolution in 1962 creating the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), a national initiative to provide a yearly opportunity for talented young people with demonstrated leadership abilities to deepen their understanding of America’s political processes and strengthen their resolve to pursue careers in public service.
The USSYP brings the highest-level officials from each branch of government together with outstanding high school students — two juniors or seniors from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity — during an intensive week-long educational program held in Washington, D.C. The program is merit-based and highly competitive. Each student also receives a one-time $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science. All state delegates to the USSYP must attend Washington Week in the spring. Students will be required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residence to participate in the U.S. Senate Youth Program.
The 61st annual United States Senate Youth Program Washington Week is being planned for March 4–11, 2023 in Washington, D.C. The program may be held online pending public health guidance, to be determined in the fall of 2022. The program will be a comprehensive public service, leadership, and education experience including speakers from the three branches of government and the national media. Each delegate will receive the $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship in the name of the United States Senate. Additional details will be made available upon selection.
USSYP 2021-2022 Delegates
Richard Liu and Neil Sash have been selected to represent Arkansas at the 60th annual USSYP Washington Week. More information about the delegates can be found in this press release.
To learn more about the program, visit http://ussenateyouth.org/
Information and guidelines about the application process, as well as the application, can be found under Related Files on this page.
For more information, please contact:
Amber Murry Pirnique, M.Ed.
Disciplinary Literacy Program Manager
Arkansas Department of Education
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
Four Capitol Mall, Room 202-B
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-682-5764
Email: Amber.Pirnique@ade.arkansas.gov
