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Each year, theÌý, in cooperation with the United States Senate and the education departments of all the states, sponsors theÌýÌý(USSYP). Two student leaders from each state and the District of Columbia are selected to participate in a week-long government leadership program in Washington, DC (all expenses paid). The students engage in a series of seminars and briefings with Senators and members of the House of Representatives, and meet with officials of the executive and judicial branches of government. Each student delegate will also receive a one-time $12,500 college scholarship, provided that two full courses in United States, government, history, and/or political science are taken by the student at an accredited institution during the student’s future college or university career.

The 65th annual USSYP Washington Week will be in Washington, DC from:

ÌýMarch 6 – 13, 2027.

The principal of a New York State high school may select one or moreÌýcandidates for this statewide competition. Any high school junior or senior is eligible. The student must hold a high-level leadership position in any one of the following student government, civic or educational organizations during the entire 2026-2027 academic year academic year under rule 1 (a-e) of theÌý, subject to verification and the judgement of the state selection administrator:

• 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 providing service to others

A student who is a representative to a district, regional or state-level civic or education organization may also be nominated.Ìý

Ìýfor further qualification details.

APPLICATION FORM AND INSTRUCTIONS:

Complete the onlineÌý* along with the following documents:

• Completed signature form with the following signatures:
  • Student
  • Parent(s)/Guardian(s)
  • Principal
• Official academic transcript with non-weighted GPA
• Required essays
• Two letters of recommendation
  • High school principalÌý
  • Adult advisor to the organization or student body entity

* If you are unable to complete the application online, please emailÌýNYSenateYouth@nysed.gov to request an electronic or hard copy.

*Please note that you will need to create an account using your email address to access the USSYP application. Once registered, you may save your progress and return at any time to complete and submit your application.

DEADLINE:

The student application materials must be submitted on or beforeÌýWednesday, October 15, 2026 5:00 pm.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For additional questions or if you have any issues submitting the online form please contact:

Kevin Hetzel

State Selection Administrator, NYS U.S. Senate Youth Program

NYSenateYouth@nysed.gov

518-474-5922