United States Senate Youth Program
PLEASE NOTE: Complete information and application forms regarding the 2009-2010 United States Senate Youth Program will be posted on this page in early August 2009.
Each year the William Randolph Hearst Foundation sponsors a scholarship for two student leaders from each state and the District of Columbia to visit Washington, D. C. (all expenses paid), as guest of the Hearst Foundation and a $5,000 college scholarship for undergraduate studies at an accredited United States university or college. During the visit to Washington, D.C., students engage in a series of seminars and briefings with Senators and members of the House of Representatives and meet with officials from the executive and judicial branches of government.
The principal of a New York State high school may select only one candidate for this statewide competition. Any high school junior or senior is eligible. Districts with more than one high school can nominate a candidate from each high school. The nominee must currently (2008 – 2009) be serving in an elected capacity in any one of the following student government offices:
- Student body president, vice-president, secretary or treasurer
- Class president, vice-president, secretary or treasure
- Student council representative
A student who is a representative to a district, regional or state-level civic or education organization may also be nominated.
Students must submit:
- A signed application form
- Student transcript/standardized test data
- A student essay on a significant issue or problem before the United States Congress
- A student statement of leadership activities
- A letter of recommendation from the high school principal and/or designee
Special notes:
- If any of the above is missing from the final application packet, the application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.
- If a high school submits more than one nomination, neither nomination will be considered.
IMPORTANT 2009-2010 New York State Senate Youth Dates:
- Friday, October 9, 2009: Applications are due to the New York State Education Department
- Wednesday, October 28, 2009: Review Committee selects semi-finalists
- Monday, November 9, 2009: Interviews to select 2 delegates and 2 alternates
- TBA: United States Senate Youth Washington Week Experience
Note: In the event that an applicant becomes a semifinalist, the student must come to Albany for a personal interview on Monday, November 9, 2009. Partial reimbursement will be available.
Send applications to:
Jo Ann Larson
New York State Education Department
United States Senate Youth Program
Room 320 EB
Albany,
New York 12234
In 2009, New York State’s student delegates were:
- Ms. Erica Pincus, Long Island Lutheran High School (Bayville)
- Ms. Charlotte Saul, Orchard Park High School (Orchard Park)
In 2009, New York State's student delegate alternates were:
- Ms. Christina Johnson, Renaissance High School for Musical Theater & Technology (Bronx)
- Ms. Ilham Elkatani, Community High School for Social Justice (Bronx)