08.01.12

Hoeven, Conrad Encourage North Dakota Students to Apply for U.S. Senate Youth Program

Educational Program Gives High School Students Chance to Spend Week in Washington Observing Federal Government in Action

WASHINGTON – Senators John Hoeven and Kent Conrad today announced that the United States Senate Youth Program (UUSYP) is currently accepting nominations from high school students interested in participating in the program’s 51st annual Washington Week. The senators encourage North Dakota high school students interested in public service and government to apply for the program, which brings students from across the country to the nation’s capital to participate in a week-long study of the United States government. Student delegates receive an all-expense paid trip and a $5,000 college scholarship.

“Our nation’s students represent our future leaders, and our country will look to these talented young individuals to foster and maintain our democratic system of government,” the senators said in a joint statement. “The United States Senate Youth Program offers students the unique opportunity to meet with peers from across the country and cultivate their understanding of the United States by observing our government in action. We encourage North Dakota’s students to apply for this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

The UUSYP will be held March 9 – 16, 2013, in Washington, D.C. The student delegates will visit Capitol Hill, the White House, the Pentagon, the State Department, the Supreme Court and other historic sites in Washington, and meet with senators, cabinet officers, government leaders and other policymakers.

Two delegates will be chosen from each state. The program’s strongest candidates are students with outstanding leadership abilities, a firm commitment to public service and high academic standing. The delegate selection is administered by each state’s chief school officer in cooperation with high school principals. Interested students should contact their local high school principal or the state-level selection administrator, Pauline Iler, at paller@nd.gov.

Delegates must be high school 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. Delegates must also be permanent residents of the United States.

The application date for the State of North Dakota is October 19, 2012. Delegates will be formally announced in mid-December.

More than 5,000 students have participated in the USSYP since its founding in 1962. Several have gone on to become government officials, including members of Congress, military leaders and foreign ambassadors. More information is available at www.ussenateyouth.org.