WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Edward Markey (D-Mass.), co-chairs of the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), announced that Departments of Education nationwide are now accepting applications for the program’s 64th annual Washington Week, scheduled for March 7–14, 2026.
Two students from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity will be selected to take part in the highly competitive and merit-based program. Delegates will engage in a week-long study of the federal government, with opportunities to meet their U.S. Senators, the President of the United States, Cabinet Secretaries, a Justice of the Supreme Court, senior members of the national media, and other federal policymakers.
“The United States Youth Program attracts the best and brightest young leaders, and I’m thrilled to support this program as a co-chair this year,” Senator Britt said. “I look forward to meeting the outstanding students who are selected, including the two Alabamians who I know will represent our state exceptionally. This week will surely create memories that last a lifetime and provide lessons and opportunities that will shape the futures of these young men and women in meaningful ways.”
Founded in 1962, the USSYP is fully funded and administered by The Hearst Foundations. The 104 delegates each receive a $10,000 undergraduate scholarship to the college or university of their choice, with encouragement to pursue coursework in government and history. Since its creation, more than 6,300 alumni have gone on to careers in public service.
Senator Markey emphasized the program’s focus on civic engagement and leadership. “The U.S Senate Youth Program is an exciting opportunity for talented students from Massachusetts and across the country to engage in a fulfilling week of civic engagement and civil discourse in our nation’s capital,” he said. “I encourage all future leaders to consider taking this next step to further their education and guide their commitment to their communities and the country.”
Military officers, competitively selected through the Office of the Secretary of Defense, will serve as mentors and chaperones during the program, continuing a long-standing partnership between USSYP and the Department of Defense.
The 2026 USSYP Senate Advisory Committee includes the Vice President of the United States, Senate Majority and Minority Leaders, and an eight-member bipartisan Senate panel. Committee members are Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-N.M.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.).
Delegate Selection Process
The delegate selection process is managed by each state’s chief school officer in partnership with high school principals. Applicants must:
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Be high school juniors or seniors.
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Hold elected or appointed positions in student government or other school-based organizations during the 2025–2026 academic year.
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Reside in the state where they attend school.
Students are encouraged to contact their high school principal, school counselor, or visit ussenateyouth.org for eligibility requirements, application details, and deadlines.
