The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is pleased to announce that state departments of education nationwide have begun the selection process for the 65th annual Washington Week, to be held March 6-13, 2027, in Washington, D.C. A total of 104 students will be chosen as delegates for the week-long education, leadership, and public service program, with opportunities to meet their U.S. Senators and other high-ranking government officials. Each delegate is eligible to receive a $12,500 undergraduate college scholarship and must attend the entire Washington Week program to receive the scholarship.
USSYP is a competitive, merit-based program created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962 that brings two high school juniors or seniors from each state and the District of Columbia, plus two students attending military-connected high schools overseas to deepen students’ understanding of the political process and strengthen their resolve to pursue careers in public service. State departments of education across the country select the students through a rigorous nomination and selection process.
The $12,500 undergraduate college scholarship is given to each student in the name of the United States Senate, with encouragement to continue coursework in history, government, and public affairs. Military officers who serve as elite chaperones and mentors to the student delegates throughout the week are competitively selected through the Office of the Secretary of War, in one of the longest-standing partnerships between a national youth program and the Department of War. The Hearst Foundations have fully funded and administered the program since its inception; no government funds are utilized.
APPLICATIONS must be POSTMARKED no later than Friday, October 9, 2026. Applicants who are unable to mail the application should contact Ronda Smith at (501) 682-7816 or Ronda.Smith@ade.arkansas.gov for assistance.
A selection committee composed of Arkansas Department of Education officials, educators, and other experts in the field will screen all eligible applicants and make recommendations to the Arkansas Secretary of Education. Selection is based on outstanding ability and demonstrated qualities of leadership. Rules and eligibility information are defined in the 2027 USSYP Brochure. If you have questions regarding this scholarship opportunity, please contact Ronda Smith, USSYP State Coordinator, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, at (501) 682-7816 or by email at Ronda.Smith@ade.arkansas.gov.
2027 AR USSYP Application
2027 AR USSYP Program Timeline
2027 USSYP Brochure