Selection Process for United States Senate Youth Program is Underway
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) announced the annual statewide selection process for the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) has begun. Two South Dakota high school juniors or seniors will join student delegates from around the country to participate in the USSYP’s 57th annual Washington Week, which will take place March 2-9, 2019, in Washington, D.C.
“Participating in the U.S. Senate Youth Program is a great way for students to learn firsthand about the way our federal government works,” said Rounds. “I encourage any South Dakota high school student who has an interest in learning more about policy making and public service to apply to this unique, educational program.”
“This program provides the opportunity of a lifetime for young leaders from South Dakota to get a firsthand look into the inner workings of the U.S. government,” said Thune. “On top of spending a week in the thick of the action in Washington, students participating in USSYP will also receive a scholarship to help further their educational pursuits. I encourage all student leaders across the state to apply.”
Each of the student delegates will receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., for next year’s program. During their trip to Washington, student delegates will visit Capitol Hill, the White House, the Pentagon, and the Supreme Court, among other locations, and will meet with policymakers, which in the past have included members of Congress, the president, and cabinet secretaries.
Students interested in applying for next year’s program can find more information by visiting the South Dakota Department of Education website or by contacting Mark Gageby (mark.gageby@state.sd.us), the South Dakota selection administrator, or their school’s principal.
The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, September 21, 2018, and the names of the students who have been selected will be formally announced in December.
###
