Michigan Department of Education invites high school students to apply for the 52nd annual United States Senate Youth program.

The 52nd Annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), established in 1962 by a United States Senate Resolution, will be held in Washington D.C. the week of March 8-15, 2014. Two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity will spend the week in Washington D.C. experiencing their national government in action.

This program may be of particular interest to students who have participated in We the People, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, and other civic education programs. Student are also required to be currently serving in an elected or appointed capacity in any one of the following student government, civic or educational organizations: a. Class President, Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer; b. Student Body President, Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer; c. Student Council Representative; d. Student representative elected or appointed (appointed by a panel, commission or board) to a district, regional or state-level civic and/or educational organization approved by the state selection administrator.

Students will visit Capitol Hill, the White House, the Supreme Court, the Pentagon, and the State Department. Each delegate will also be awarded a five thousand dollar ($5,000) college scholarship for undergraduate studies, subject to the conditions and requirements specified in the rules. Michigan Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow will present certificates representing the scholarship award, to the Michigan delegates during their Washington visit.

The USSYP is sponsored by the United States Senate, and funded and administered by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. The Foundation believes it is in the public interest to encourage these outstanding young people to continue their educational development. The Foundation also pays all expenses for Washington week, including transportation, hotel accommodations, and meals.

To apply, qualifying juniors or seniors must request the USSYP Application and Qualifying Exam. These documents are available by contacting Mary Harmer at HarmerM@michigan.gov. All completed documents must be returned to Ms. Harmer at the Michigan Department of Education by November 1, 2013. For further USSYP information, please refer to www.ussenateyouth.org.

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