2026 U.S. Senate Youth Program

2026 U.S. Senate Youth Program

Student Application Form
The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), is a national nonpartisan initiative to provide an annual opportunity for talented high school students with demonstrated leadership abilities to deepen their understanding of America’s political processes and strengthen their resolve to pursue careers in public service.

The USSYP brings the highest-level officials from each branch of government to meet with this outstanding group of young leaders—two high school juniors or seniors from each of the fifty states, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA)—for an intensive week-long education and leadership program held in Washington, D.C. The program is merit-based and highly competitive.

Washington Week will be held March 7-14, 2026, ON SITE in Washington, D.C. All confirmed student delegates will partake in a comprehensive, interactive leadership program in the stated timeframe, and each will receive the $10,000 college scholarship in the name of the United States Senate. The program will have a strong focus on public service, leadership, and education experience. Students will hear from speakers from the three branches of government and the national media. Additional details will be made available upon selection. Students MUST attend Washington Week in order to receive their scholarship.

Please review the 2026 USSYP Washington Week brochure in its entirety for a comprehensive explanation of the program, selection criteria and requirements, program rules, and scholarship information. If you have any questions, about North Dakota's program, please contact Jennifer Odell, North Dakota Department of Public Instruction communications officer, at 701-328-3216.
Applicant Information

Note: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or have permanent residency at the time of application.
Student Legal Name*

First NameMiddle NameLast Name
Preferred Name
Grade in School*

Junior (11)Senior (12)
Full Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Student Email*
example@example.com
Student Cell Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Student Home Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Birthdate*

MonthDayYear
Date
Gender*
Citizenship*

YES, I am a U.S. CitizenNO, I am not a U.S. citizen, but I am a permanent resident in possession of my official Green Card at the time of this application. (Having applied for a Green Card, but not in possession, means you cannot apply for USSYP)
School Information

Note: Student must be attending high school in the state at least one parent/guardian resides for the entire school year.
Name of High School*
School Type*

Public High SchoolNonpublic High SchoolHome School
Name of High School District*
School Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
School Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Principal's Name*

First NameLast Name
Principal's Email Address*
example@example.com
Parent/Guardian Information
Parent/Guardian 1 Full Name*

PrefixFirst NameLast Name
Parent/Guardian 1 Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Parent/Guardian 1 Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Parent/Guardian 1 Email*
example@example.com
Parent/Guardian 2 Full Name

PrefixFirst NameLast Name
Parent/Guardian 2 Address (leave blank if same as parent 1)

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Parent/Guardian 2 Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Parent/Guardian 2 Email
example@example.com
Student/Constituency Representation
Mark the ELECTED/APPOINTED office you now hold for the entire 2025-2026 school year in one of the following student government, civic, or educational organizations (please select only one, even if you hold multiple positions).*

Student Body PresidentStudent Body Vice PresidentStudent Body SecretaryStudent Body TreasurerClass PresidentClass Vice PresidentClass SecretaryClass TreasurerStudent Council RepresentativeOfficer in a National Honor Society ChapterStudent representative elected or appointed (by a panel, commission, or board) to a local, district, regional, or state-level civic, service, and/or educational purpose whose primary purpose is public/community service and constituent representation. Such positions will be subject to approval by the state selection administrator.
The positions below DO NOT qualify:
- Attendance or officer position at Boys/Girls Nation or State summer conference
- General member of a National Honor Society (however, serving as an elected officer IS acceptable)
- Member or leader of the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, or a sports team
- A founder or chairperson of a self-created group
- A participant, captain, or officer in Mock Trial, Debate Team, Mode UN, or other academic club, mock legislature, conference, or competition where the primary engagement is for individual educational benefit.
What is your qualifying position if not student body, class, or Honor Society officer?
What is your rank in scholastic standing within your class? (Your principal must verify your standing on a separate form)*

Upper 1%Upper 5%Upper 10%Upper 15%Upper 25%Other
Additional Application Items
A complete application will require the items listed below. Please review this section carefully.

Personal Essay

Prepare an essay thoroughly describing:
- Current elected student position held and all past involvement in student government/leadership;
- Activities and achievements that demonstrate leadership in school and community that specifically support your desire to serve as a USSYP delegate;
- Involvement in community service initiatives or programs outside of school;
- How your participation in USSYP will enhance your understanding and interest in the political and governmental process of the United States;
- Share ways in which you think being chose for the U.S. Senate Youth Program will help you explore some of the most important questions you have at present about the challenges facing the country.
Formatting requirements: double spaced; 11 pt font; you may use any essay formatting style you prefer (i.e. MLA, APA, Chicago,etc.)

Length requirements: none

Persuasive Essay

Prepare an essay for the following prompt: If you became a U.S. senator for North Dakota, what senate committees would you most want to be assigned to and why? What personal qualities would you bring to the job as senator that would benefit North Dakota?

The topics you address should be important to you. In your essay, you should take a stand, relate its importance to you, and defend your position. The essay will be judged on organization, ideas and content, evidence of personalization, and writing quality. It is expected that you will conduct some level of research for this essay. Any unoriginal thoughts or ideas must be attributed appropriately both in the text and on a Works Cited or References page.

Formatting requirements: double spaced; 11 pt font; you may use any essay formatting style you prefer (i.e. MLA, APA, Chicago,etc.)

Length requirements: none

Letters of Support and Recommendation

You must include the following letters of support and recommendation:
1. One from your high school principal or a teacher;
2. One from an adult representative of the organization or activity where you hold a record of leadership and service to others and/or where currently hold a USSYP-qualifying leadership position.
There are no formatting requirements for these letters, but they should be signed.

Required Signatures

Please include the completed, signed document titled "Application Addendum: Required Signatures." The following individuals must complete this form:
- The applicant
- Applicant's high school principal
- *Adult representative from the applicant's qualifying position organization (ONLY for students serving in position other than student body or National Honor Society officer)
- Parents/Guardians
Please upload your personal essay, persuasive essay, letters of support/recommendation, required signatures, and any other relevant attachments here:

Cancelof
I affirm that all work not cited to its original author/creator submitted as part of the 2025–2026 USSYP application is entirely my own original effort, free from plagiarism. I have not used artificial intelligence (AI) in the creation of any written, visual, or creative components of this submission or received unauthorized assistance not otherwise permitted as an approved reasonable accommodation for a disability. I understand that failure to comply may result in the cancellation of my application. *

Clear
Should be Empty:

2026 U.S. Senate Youth Program

Applicant Information

School Information

Parent/Guardian Information

Student/Constituency Representation

Additional Application Items