Opportunity for High School Students from Kentucky to Apply for the 26th U.S. Senate Youth Program; Two Successful Candidates to Represent
The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is now open for applications for the 2026 program, and Kentucky high school students are encouraged to apply. This prestigious program, created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962, offers a week-long study of the federal government in Washington, D.C.
For two outstanding Kentucky high school juniors or seniors, the opportunity to represent their state during Washington Week is within reach. The selected students will attend Washington Week, scheduled for March 7-14, 2026. During this week, they will participate in meetings and briefings with high-level officials from each branch of the federal government.
To apply, students must submit a transcript, two letters of recommendation, three essay responses, a resume, and a signature form. The application process is overseen by the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), and semifinalists will interview in Frankfort on a date to be determined.
High school teachers and principals are encouraged to nominate qualified high school juniors and seniors who are interested in and participating in leadership, public service, and government-related activities.
The application deadline is September 29, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The program has been sponsored by the Senate and funded by The Hearst Foundations. Each delegate will receive a $10,000 college scholarship in the name of the U.S. Senate.
In the 2025 program, Ashley Nicole Billiter, a senior at duPont Manual High School (Jefferson County), and Peter Monroe Jefferson, a senior at Henry Clay High School (Fayette County), were selected as delegates.
For more information, email [email protected] or call KDE Academic Program Manager Rosalind Turner at (502) 564-2000, ext. 4626. Additional information can also be found on the KDE U.S. Senate Youth Program website. The 2025 program details are available on the U.S. Senate Youth Program website.
The application process for the 2026 USSYP program is expected to follow similar guidelines to the 2025 program. The names of the two USSYP delegates and two alternates representing Kentucky will be announced in December. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the federal government and secure a college scholarship. Apply now!
- The election of Kentucky's representatives for the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) 2026 is now open, following similar guidelines to the 2025 program.
- High school students in Kentucky who are currently pursuing their junior or senior years and have an interest in education-and-self-development topics such as government, public service, and leadership are encouraged to apply.
- Schools across Kentucky can support their eligible students by nominating them for the USSYP program, offering them a chance to attend Washington Week in 2026 and potentially receive a $10,000 college scholarship.
