Sen. Carper Encourages Delaware Students to Apply for U.S. Senate Youth Program

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) announced the beginning of the selection process for the 51^st annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). The USSYP brings together some of the most distinguished high school students from throughout the country for an intensive week long program to learn how the Senate and federal government functions. 

The USSYP was created in 1962 with the intent to increase understanding among young Americans of the three branches of government. The program seeks to educate students about the responsibilities of federally elected officials and the importance of democratic decision making for both Americans and people around the world.

“The United States Senate Youth Program provides a unique experience for any student interested in government or public service,” said Sen. Carper. “It is my hope that this program will help students walk away with a greater understanding and appreciation for how our government functions and, hopefully, a deeper commitment to and passion for serving our state and nation. I have always been impressed by the caliber of students that Delaware sends to the Senate Youth Program, and I know this year will be no different. I encourage all of our bright students from across Delaware to apply for this opportunity.”

Each year, two students are chosen from every state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity to spend a week in Washington learning how Congress and the federal government conduct business. Since its inception, over 5,000 students have traveled to Washington, D.C. to experience this unique leadership experience. The USSYP provides an all-expense paid trip to the nation’s capitol as well as a $5,000 scholarship for college. The program is fully funded by the Hearst Foundation; no government funds are utilized.

While in Washington, student delegates will visit Capitol Hill, the White House, the Pentagon, the State Department, the Supreme Court and other historic sites. Delegates will also meet with Senators, cabinet officers, government leaders and other policy-makers.

The delegate selection is administered by each state’s chief school officer in cooperation with high school principals. Delegates must be juniors or seniors and elected student officers for the 2012-2013 academic year, and they must reside in the state where they attend school.  Eligibility considerations may also be made for student representatives elected or selected (by a panel, commission or board) to district, regional or state-level civic or educational organizations.

The 2013 program brochure with detailed rules, selection process and the annual yearbook may be accessed on the USSYP website www.ussenateyouth.org. Applications are due by October 12, 2012. Names of students selected will be formally announced mid-December.  Interested students in Delaware should contact their high school principal or the state-level selection administrator indicated below:

Mr. Preston Shockley
Education Associate, Social Studies
401 Federal Street, Suite 2
Dover, DE  19901
Ph. (302) 735-4180
pshockley@doe.k12.de.us