By Michael R. Grigsby, Editor | Somerset-Pulaski Advocate
Image Courtesy of United States Senate Youth Program. (C) 2025. All Rights Reserved.
Somerset, Kentucky (SPA)--- Applications are now open for the 2026 United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), a prestigious, merit-based opportunity that brings exceptional high school students from across the country to Washington, D.C., for a week-long immersive study of the federal government and its leadership.
This fall, two high school students from Kentucky will be selected to join the national delegation of 104 students. Each delegate will receive a $10,000 college scholarship funded by The Hearst Foundations and awarded in the name of the U.S. Senate. Delegates are encouraged to continue academic work in history, government, and public affairs.
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) manages the state’s selection process and will announce the names of the two delegates and two alternates in December. Finalists will be invited to an in-person interview in Frankfort, with the date to be determined.
Delegates will attend Washington Week, scheduled for March 7–14, 2026, where they will participate in high-level briefings and discussions with senior officials from all three branches of government. Past programs have featured addresses from U.S. senators, Supreme Court justices, cabinet secretaries, policymakers, and members of the national press corps.
High school principals and teachers across Kentucky are encouraged to nominate qualified juniors and seniors with strong academic records, demonstrated leadership, and a commitment to public service. Applicants must submit a complete application packet—including an official transcript, two letters of recommendation, a resume, three essay responses, and a signed application form—by the September 29, 2025 deadline.
This program was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962 and sponsored by the U.S. Senate, the USSYP is funded by The Hearst Foundations. The full eligibility requirements and application materials are available on the USSYP website.
For additional information, contact Rosalind Turner, KDE Academic Program Manager, at (502) 564-2000 ext. 4626 or by email at awards@education.ky.gov. Further details are also available on the KDE USSYP program page.
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(C) 2025 Somerset-Pulaski Advocate. All Rights Reserved
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