U.S. Senate Youth Program

The Minnesota Department of Education is pleased to announce the two outstanding students chosen to represent Minnesota at the 2024 U.S. Senate Youth Program.
 

Congratulations to Deepti Pillai from Minnetonka High School, Minnetonka and Sydney McGrath, Roosevelt High School, Minneapolis.
 

Elif Ozturk from Hopkins High School and Aisha Ibrahim from Eagan High School were chosen as alternate nominees. 
 

Minnesota’s representatives to the 62nd annual leadership education program, the 2024 program will be in person the week of March 2-9, 2024, in Washington D.C., meeting with the highest-level officials from each branch of government. In addition, each student receives a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship.
 

The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), established in 1962 by U.S. Senate Resolution, is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students. Each year, two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity spend a week in Washington, D.C., experiencing their national government in action.
 

During Washington Week, students attend briefings and meetings with several senators, the president of the United States, a justice of the Supreme Court, secretaries of the Cabinet, an ambassador to the United States, other federal agency leaders, and senior members of the national media. Each speaking event includes a substantial question-and-answer session, allowing the students direct and personal interaction with the high-level leadership. This in-depth exposure is what fuels and sustains the students’ commitment to making a difference in their country, communities and schools.
 

In addition, each delegate will be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship. The Hearst Foundation provides all transportation, hotel and meal expenses.
 

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) administers this program in Minnesota. Principals nominate students; one student per school will be considered. Interested? Students may check with their high school counselor to learn more about the program.
 

The 2023-24 program is closed. Watch for more information in August 2024 about the United States Senate 2025 program year.