High School

From the South Dakota Department of Education

The application window is open for the U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP). High school juniors and seniors who have served in elected positions in their school or community are eligible to apply to be in this prestigious cohort. Those who are accepted into the program will receive a $10,000 scholarship and the opportunity to participate in Washington Week.

The USSYP’s Washington Week provides young leaders with an intensive week-long education and leadership program held in Washington, D.C. A total of 104 students -- two from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity -- will be selected to participate in Washington Week. During that week, they will hear major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense, and senior members of the national media. Delegates will also participate in a meeting with a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court and the president of the United States. Washington Week is an all-expenses paid experience for all delegates.

Selection will be based on the student’s outstanding abilities and demonstrated qualities of leadership in an elected or appointed student office.

Deadline for high school principals and school counselors to submit student applications is Oct. 4, 2024.