The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) is pleased to announce its participation in the 64th Annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), sponsored by the Hearst Foundations and the United States Senate. The USSYP, established in 1962 by U.S. Senate Resolution, is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service.
The United States Senate Youth Program sends two student delegates from each state to spend a week in Washington, D.C., experiencing their national government in action. In addition, each delegate will be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate studies, with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science.
Student delegates will hear major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense, and directors of other federal agencies, as well as participate in meetings with the president and a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. To receive the scholarship, students must commit to attend the entire week. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses will be provided by The Hearst Foundations.
Bernadette Dalesandro, NJSBA 2023-2024 School Board Member of the Year, and immediate past president of the Morris County School Boards Association, is a member of the New Jersey United States Senate Youth Program Selection Committee and will be participating in the student delegate selection process. Humbled and honored to have been selected out of so many qualified board members, Bernadette strongly believes in the opportunity that students can receive from the experience. “The program is a fantastic opportunity for students to see how government works, and to receive financial relief during their college journey”, says Dalesandro.
Student Eligibility Requirements
• Legal permanent resident or citizen of the United States.
• Resident of NJ throughout the 2025-2026 academic year.
• Enrolled in 11th or 12th grade in a NJ high school through 2026.
• Serving in an elected or appointed capacity in a student government, civic or educational organization through March 2026.
NJ Application Process:
• Principal selects one nominee that meets the eligibility requirements and completes the Statement of Assurance.
• Student nominee submits the completed and signed Principal’s Statement of Assurance by Sept. 30, 2025.
• Once reviewed, students are emailed the application link, no later than Oct. 1, 2025.
• Student must complete the USSYP Student Application by Oct. 13, 2025. Specific application information can be found on the NJDOE United States Senate Youth Program website and should be prepared prior to starting the application.
The 64th annual United States Senate Youth Program Washington Week will be held, in person, in Washington, D.C. from Mar. 7 – 14, 2026.
Additional information can be found on the New Jersey Department of Education United States Senate Youth Program website. Superintendents will receive a broadcast notification during August, when the program is open for nominations. Districts may contact the state program coordinator at USSYP@doe.nj.gov for more information. For the full text of the announcement, please click here.
