The 2020-2021 United States Senate Youth Program applications are now available. The application requirements have changed as well as the financial reward. Please review the information below carefully. The scholarship amount was increased to $10,000 and there will be even more scrutiny on who is selected. Those students who only have an interest in government without wanting a career in public service will no longer be considered. Public service includes government, politics and military. Winning this prestigious award can provide vast opportunities for a student. Motivated and academically driven students should consider applying for this award. All students that apply will be given consideration before moving to the county and state level of competition.
Applications are due to the NOHS counseling office by 3:30 pm on November 13, 2020.
What type of student should apply for this program?
Whether outspoken or soft spoken, the type of student who thrives during Washington Week is one who is truly interested in government, history, politics and leadership and one who has a demonstrated desire to serve others in a leadership capacity. The student selected should have experience in public speaking and working with others as part of public and community service activities. High academic achievement, high aspirations for college and career and other clear examples of self-motivation and creativity often define Senate Youth delegates. Being president of student body government is not enough of a qualifier in many cases – additional and often extraordinary examples of a student’s passion for service and empathy for others are often better indicators.
We look for students who are confident and capable of public
speaking because a central part of Washington Week are the many Q and A
sessions where students are given an unparalleled opportunity to speak directly
with the highest-level elected and appointed officials in the country –
including the President of the United States. In addition, we aim to give
students as many formal speaking opportunities as we can through having them
provide introductory and appreciation remarks for each speaker.
Points to Consider
before Applying:
Students will be required to completely block the timeframe of the program and attend all online events in order to serve as delegates and receive the scholarship. The full timeframe of the program is yet to be determined, but it will take place over the course of 2 – 4 days, the week of March 15, 2021.
Students may qualify to apply through leadership positions they currently hold per the USSYP official criteria for the current 2020-2021 academic year, OR if students are unable to hold leadership positions this year due to the pandemic, they can submit a qualifying position held during the 2019-2020 academic year. All student leadership positions are subject to the judgement and verification of the state selection administrators.
