U.S. Senate Youth Program FAQs

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 will be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship and participate in the Washington Week program.

What are the eligibility requirements?

• Student must be nominated by his or her high school principal to be considered for the USSYP.
• Principal may nominate up to two students from the same high school.
• Nominated student must be a high school junior or senior currently serving in an elected or appointed leadership position in a student government, civic, or educational organization for the entire school year for which they are applying.*
• Student must be actively serving and representing his or her peers in qualified leadership positions in organizations that relate to government, education, public affairs, and/or community service.

* The student is required to be actively serving in an elected or appointed leadership position in any one of the following student government, civic, or educational organizations during the entire school year for which they are applying:

What are some examples of qualifying positions?

1. Student Body President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer
2. Class President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer
3. Student Council Representative
4. National Honor Society Officer (including discipline-based Honor Societies such as the National English and Social Studies Honor Societies that include service components)
5. Student Representative elected or appointed (by a panel, commission, or board) to a local, district, regional, state or national-level civic, service and/or educational organization approved by the state selection administrator, where the student holds a high-level, year-round leadership position representing a constituency and/or providing service to others.

What are some examples of non-qualifying positions?

Member or officer position in academic clubs, educational competition programs/conferences or organizations designed primarily for the student's personal development and enrichment do not qualify a student for the USSYP although many students who qualify participate in these activities.The positions listed below DO NOT qualify the student for the program:

• Attendance or officer position at Boys/Girls Nation or State, or Junior State conferences.
  
• Member of a National Honor Society (serving as an elected officer for the organization for the entire school year is acceptable)
  
• Member or leader of the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts or a sports team (Commander or Squadron Leader of a JROTC WILL qualify).
• An internship or job, or a founder or chairperson of a self-created group.
• A participant, captain or officer in Mock Trial, Debate Team, Model United Nations or other academic club, mock legislature, conference, or competition where the primary engagement is for individual educational benefit.

If you have questions regarding whether your elected or appointed leadership position is valid, please send an email to USSYP@cde.ca.gov and we can evaluate the position.

What are the residency requirements?

• Each nominated student must be a legal permanent resident or citizen of the United States at the time of application.
• Student must be currently living and enrolled for the entire 2025-26 academic year in a California public or independent high school.

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 another 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. Students may also reach out to their principal or counselor to discuss their interest and nomination. Ultimately, the principal’s signature on the Part A application serves as the official nomination with the CDE.

Who can write a letter of recommendation for the student and what should it contain?

• Examples of acceptable letters of recommendation include: teacher, school counselor, coach, advisor, principal, superintendent, supervisor, board member, local elected official, etc.
• Letters should NOT be from a family member or friend.
• Those writing the letters of recommendation should share their perspective of the applicant’s abilities in leadership, public service, civic engagement, relationships with others, and academics. Letter should indicate how long they have known or worked with the applicant and in what capacity.
• Letters should NOT be longer than one page.

Where can additional information regarding the USSYP program rules be found?

For additional information regarding the program rules, please review the USSYP brochure on the William Randolph Hearst Foundation USSYP Brochure website .