Two Louisiana students will be selected to attend Washington Week and receive a $10,000 college scholarship
(BATON ROUGE, LA) - The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is now accepting applications for its 64th annual Washington Week, which will take place March 7–14, 2026. Louisiana students can submit their applications before Friday, October 3, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
Two exceptional high school students from Louisiana will be selected to join 102 other delegates from across the country for an intensive week-long educational experience in the nation's capital. During the program, students will engage directly with the federal government, gaining insight into the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Participants will have the unique opportunity to meet U.S. senators, the president, cabinet members, supreme court justices, members of the national media, and other prominent policymakers.
In addition to the once-in-a-lifetime experience, each Louisiana delegate will receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship, given in the name of the United States Senate. The scholarship aims to encourage students to pursue careers in public service, government, and related fields.
All travel, lodging, and meal expenses for the program are fully covered by the Hearst Foundations.
About The United States Senate Youth Program
Established in 1962 by Senate Resolution 324, the U.S. Senate Youth Program is a prestigious, merit-based initiative and one of the longest-standing partnerships between a national youth program and the Department of Defense. With over 6,300 alumni of the program, some of which have gone on to distinguished careers in public service at all levels of government.
Selection Criteria
The delegate selection process is coordinated at the state level in partnership with high school principals and administrators. To be eligible, applicants must:
Be a high school junior or senior during the 2025–2026 academic year
Hold an elected or appointed position in student government or a similar school-based leadership organization
Reside in and attend school in Louisiana
For detailed information on how to apply, students should contact their school administration, the Louisiana Department of Education, or ussenateyouth.org for application materials, deadlines, and eligibility guidelines.
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