U.S. Senate Youth Program

US Senate Youth Program

The state of Iowa has accepted an invitation to participate in the U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP), sponsored by the William Randolph Hearst Foundations. The program is designed to give young Americans a working knowledge of American political life.

Each year, two Iowa students have the opportunity to spend a week in Washington, D.C. The William Randolph Hearst Foundations pays all expenses. In addition, the two Iowa high school representatives each receive a $10,000 scholarship. The 2025 United States Senate Youth Program press release provides additional information.

Selection of the two Iowa high school representatives is based on the outstanding ability and demonstrated leadership qualities of elected junior and senior high school officers.

Visit the USSYP website for general program information.

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Application Information and Materials

The 63rd annual United States Senate Youth Program Washington Week is being planned to be held in person in Washington, D.C. March 1–8, 2025. Two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity will spend a week in Washington experiencing their national government in action.

Student delegates will hear major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies, as well as usually participate in meetings with the president and a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses will be provided by The Hearst Foundations. In addition, each delegate will also be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate studies, with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science.

Students must be actively serving in high-level elected or appointed leadership positions to qualify to apply. All student leadership qualifying positions are subject to the judgment of the state selection administrator and will be verified and confirmed.

The 2025 US Senate Youth Program brochure outlines eligibility requirements for participating in the United States Senate Youth Program. Read the brochure thoroughly before submitting an application.

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Qualifications

  • Students must be a junior or senior
  • Students must hold a leadership position in any one of the following student government, civic, or educational organizations during the 2024-2025 school year. 
    • Student body president, vice president, secretary, or treasurer
    • Class president, vice president, secretary, or treasurer
    • Student council representative
    • A National Honor Society representative (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-selected administer
    • Students must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents at the time of application and a resident of Iowa
    • Will be attending high school in Iowa through graduation Spring 2025
    • Interested in, and participating in, leadership, public service, and government related activities
    • Must be able to attend the entire 2025 Washington Week March 1-8, 2025 held in Washington D.C
    • High School principal must sign and verify the student's application submission and nomination to the program

See full list of eligibility requirements.

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Timeline

  • August 1, 2024 - Applications opens
  • September 30, 2024 by 4 p.m. - Applications due
  • October 1-20, 2024 - Screening of applications
  • Week of October 21, 2024 - Top four applications will be notified
  • October 28-November 15, 2024 - Top four applicants participate in interview process
  • Week of November 25, 2024 - Names of two delegates and two alternates submitted to the Hearst Foundations
  • Beginning of December 2024 - Notification of delegates and alternates
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Application Materials

  • Principal Certification Letter - Have your principal sign this form PRIOR to starting the application process.
  • Parent/Guardian Certification Letter - You must have your parents/guardians complete this form prior to submitting an application
  • Video presentation: Public speaking is a core component of the United States Senate Youth Program. Prepare a short video (no longer than 3 minutes in length) on the following topic: Imagine that you are a newly elected Senator from Iowa. Describe who you are and why you are proud to represent Iowa. Tell us any personal characteristics you feel will make you an effective leader in Washington D.C.
  • Application 
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