2027 USSYP Application Instructions

Application Request Survey Form

To request an application for the 2027 U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP), interested students should complete the Application Request Survey form (Survey).

Students must meet these minimum qualifications for eligibility:

• Show demonstrated leadership through public service in elected or appointed positions in which they are actively representing a constituency in organizations related to government, education, public affairs, and/or community service.*
• Must be actively serving in qualified leadership positions for the entire 2026–27 school year.
• Must be enrolled in high school as a junior or senior and living in California for the entire 2026–27 academic year.
• Must be a legal citizen or permanent resident of the United States at the time of application.
• Must be able to attend the entire 2027 Washington Week, March 6–13, 2027, in person in Washington, D.C.
  

* For a list of eligible positions, please see the USSYP Frequently Asked Questions web page.

Deadline

The deadline to apply to the 2027 USSYP is Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

Once a student receives the link to the application and exam, please follow the below instructions.

Part A 2027 USSYP Application/Nomination Form

Applicants are required to submit the following required documents as a single PDF:

• USSYP California Student Checklist (PDF).
• 2027 USSYP Part A California Qualifying Application/Nomination Form (PDF).
  NOTE: Requires signatures from the school principal (or designee), students, and parent.
• Unofficial student transcripts with a list of all courses.
• Two letters of recommendation.

Important! Students should begin working on Part A first while gathering the above list of required signatures and documents.

Submitting Part A (California Qualifying Application/Nomination Form)

All students who submit the Application Request form should automatically receive a Box.com link from the CDE. Students must upload their completed 2027 USSYP Part A Application/Nomination Form (PDF) (along with all required documents) in a single PDF with the required naming convention.

All required materials must be uploaded to Box.com by Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Do not email Part A or the supporting documents to the CDE.

Part B (Survey Application and Exam) and Part C (Video Presentation)

Part B is a survey application and exam and includes the video presentation (Part C).

• Follow instructions to complete and submit the 2027 USSYP California Student Part B Application and Exam. The instructions are found in the link that will be emailed to students once requested.

The Part C Video Presentation should be submitted directly to the Box.com link with the required naming conventions.

Parts A, B, and C must be submitted by the application deadline of Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

Reminders

• Incomplete submissions may be disqualified.
• Additional materials besides the required elements will not be evaluated.
• Student interviews via Zoom will be held as the final part of the selection process.