What is the United States Senate Youth Program?
The California Department of Education (CDE) administers the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), which is an annual scholarship competition funded by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation and endorsed by the United States Senate. Each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia select two high school juniors or seniors to participate in the USSYP. The delegates receive a $5,000 college scholarship and attend a one-week all expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., from March 7-14, 2009.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Students must be nominated by their high school principal to be considered for the USSYP. Principals may nominate up to two students from their high school. Nominated students must be high school juniors or seniors and currently serving in an elected or selected capacity in student government, civic, or educational organization. Additionally, students must be permanent residents of the United States and currently enrolled in California public or private secondary schools. For additional information regarding the USSYP rules, please review the USSYP Washington Week 2009 brochure on the William Randolph Hearst Foundation Web page (PDF; 423KB; 4pp; Outside Source).
How does the principal select the school’s nominees?
Principals can take sole responsibility for the selection of the student nominees. Some principals delegate that authority to a vice-principal, a head counselor, or other appropriate person. Others conduct a selection process including a small committee—e.g., a school site council or school board member, a counselor, and a teacher who may interview potential candidates.
Will the application be sent to high school principals?
The California Instructions, California Student Application, California Qualifying Examination, California Frequently Asked Questions, and USSYP Washington Week 2009 brochure are available on the USSYP Web page.
How do I apply for the USSYP?
Students cannot apply directly for the USSYP. They must be nominated to participate in the USSYP by their principal. Once they have been nominated for the USSYP, students must complete the California Student Application and California Qualifying Examination and send it to the California Department of Education.
Where do I send the completed California Student Application and California Qualifying Examination?
Send the original and one copy of the completed California Student Application, California Qualifying Examination, and unofficial student transcript to:
Carol Smith, USSYP Coordinator
Office of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction
California Department of Education
1430 N Street, Suite 5602
Sacramento, CA 95814-5901
Note: Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be considered for the competition.
What is the deadline submission for applications?
The postmark deadline for completed applications is Wednesday, October 1, 2008. Applications received after the postmark deadline will not be considered for the competition.
How are California’s student delegates selected?
A selection committee will review eligible nominees who have submitted the completed application, qualifying examination, and unofficial student transcript by the October 1, 2008, postmark deadline. From the top competitors, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell will make the final selection of two finalists and a first and second alternate to represent California. The delegates will be announced in early December 2008 on the CDE Web site and in the news media. Selection is based on the following criteria:
- The quality of the application, including the ability to write with clarity, express ideas in an organized and original fashion; and the use of correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
- High academic achievement.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to speak well.
- Knowledge of American government and U.S. history.
- Involvement in school and community activities.
- Demonstrated qualities of leadership by currently serving in an elected capacity in student government such as student body president, vice president, secretary or treasurer; class president, vice president, secretary or treasurer; student council representative; or as a student representative elected or selected (selected by a panel, commission, or board) to a school, district, regional, or state-level civic or educational organization.
What recognition do students receive at the state level?
Selection to represent California in the USSYP is a high honor. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell will host the delegates and alternates at the California State Board of Education meeting in Sacramento on Wednesday, January 7, 2009, where they will be recognized for their outstanding achievement.
Special honors for a student’s participation in the USSYP should also take place at the local level. Outstanding achievement of this kind does not always receive the level of recognition commonly given to other pursuits. We encourage high school administrators to take the opportunity of the USSYP to honor the student(s) who represents the best in leadership and citizenship at their school.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
If you have any questions regarding the USSYP, please contact Carol Smith, USSYP Coordinator, Office of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, at 916-319-0577 or by e-mail at csmith@cde.ca.gov.
