United States Senate Youth Program
Encyclopedia
The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is an annual competition sponsored jointly by the U.S. Senate and the William Randolph Hearst Foundation
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Two high school student delegates are selected from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense's overseas educational activities after a rigorous testing and interviewing process. Each delegate receives a $5,000 scholarship that can be applied to any U.S. college, as well as an all-expenses paid week-long trip to Washington, D.C. The 104 student delegates are immersed in Washington activities throughout their week's stay. Delegates hear major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials of the Departments of State and Defense and directors of federal agencies, as well as participate in a meeting with a Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. In most occasions, delegates have a reception with the President of the United States at the White House. Delegates have the opportunity to visit many Washington D.C. landmarks throughout the week and stay at the Mayflower Hotel. In addition to outstanding leadership abilities and a strong commitment to volunteer work, the student delegates rank academically in the top one percent of their states. They continue to excel and develop impressive qualities that are often directed toward public service. The competition works closely with many more local organizations like the Florida Law Related Education Association
for assistance with participants.
The program was created and originally authorized by Senate Resolution 324 and continued in succeeding years by unanimous action of the Senate.
The resolution specified that the program should be "supported by private funds with no expense to the federal government". The William Randolph Hearst Foundation made available the necessary funds and, each year, two high school juniors or seniors from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense's Overseas Education Program have participated in this unique experience.
In early 1981, the U.S. Senate amended Resolution 324 to provide for the participation of the Department of Defense
Education Activity in the United States Senate Youth Program.
Hearst Corporation
The Hearst Corporation is an American media conglomerate based in the Hearst Tower, Manhattan in New York City, New York, United States. Founded by William Randolph Hearst as an owner of newspapers, the company's holdings now include a wide variety of media...
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Two high school student delegates are selected from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense's overseas educational activities after a rigorous testing and interviewing process. Each delegate receives a $5,000 scholarship that can be applied to any U.S. college, as well as an all-expenses paid week-long trip to Washington, D.C. The 104 student delegates are immersed in Washington activities throughout their week's stay. Delegates hear major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials of the Departments of State and Defense and directors of federal agencies, as well as participate in a meeting with a Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. In most occasions, delegates have a reception with the President of the United States at the White House. Delegates have the opportunity to visit many Washington D.C. landmarks throughout the week and stay at the Mayflower Hotel. In addition to outstanding leadership abilities and a strong commitment to volunteer work, the student delegates rank academically in the top one percent of their states. They continue to excel and develop impressive qualities that are often directed toward public service. The competition works closely with many more local organizations like the Florida Law Related Education Association
Florida Law Related Education Association
The Florida Law Related Education Association, Inc. is a private corporation classified as a non-profit organization under the 501 section of the United States Internal Revenue Code...
for assistance with participants.
History
In 1962, the United States Senate voted unanimously to endorse a nationwide youth program that would bring high school students to Washington, D.C., for a brief on-site introduction to the functions of the federal government and, in particular, the United States Senate.The program was created and originally authorized by Senate Resolution 324 and continued in succeeding years by unanimous action of the Senate.
The resolution specified that the program should be "supported by private funds with no expense to the federal government". The William Randolph Hearst Foundation made available the necessary funds and, each year, two high school juniors or seniors from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense's Overseas Education Program have participated in this unique experience.
In early 1981, the U.S. Senate amended Resolution 324 to provide for the participation of the Department of Defense
United States Department of Defense
The United States Department of Defense is the U.S...
Education Activity in the United States Senate Youth Program.
Notable alumni
- Senator Susan CollinsSusan CollinsSusan Margaret Collins is the junior United States Senator from Maine and a member of the Republican Party. First elected to the Senate in 1996, she is the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs...
of Maine, the first program delegate elected to the Senate - Judge Robert Harlan HenryRobert Harlan HenrySee also Robert Henry Robert Harlan Henry is a former U.S. judge and politician from Oklahoma, and President of Oklahoma City University since July, 2010.-Biography:...
, U.S. Court of Appeals - Congressman Cory GardnerCory GardnerCory Scott Gardner is the Republican U.S. Representative for Colorado's 4th congressional district. In 2010, he defeated incumbent Democrat Betsy Markey. He was formerly a member of the Colorado House of Representatives....
, of Colorado's 4th Congressional District - Richard BurtRichard BurtRichard R. Burt is an American businessman and diplomat who served as United States Ambassador to Germany and was a chief negotiator of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. Prior to his diplomatic career, Burt worked as director of a non-governmental organization and was a correspondent for the New...
, former Ambassador to West Germany - Karl RoveKarl RoveKarl Christian Rove was Senior Advisor and Deputy Chief of Staff to former President George W. Bush until Rove's resignation on August 31, 2007. He has headed the Office of Political Affairs, the Office of Public Liaison, and the White House Office of Strategic Initiatives...
, Presidential Advisor - Thomas "Mack" McLartyMack McLartyThomas F. "Mack" McLarty III is a prominent Arkansas business and political leader and former White House Chief of Staff for US President Bill Clinton...
, former Presidential Advisor - David H. LeroyDavid H. LeroyDavid H. Leroy is a Republican politician from Idaho active in the 1970s and 1980s. He served as the 36th Lieutenant Governor of Idaho between 1983 and 1987....
, Former Lt. Governor of Idaho - Christopher Christie, Governor of New Jersey
Board of directors
- William Randolph Hearst III, President
- Anissa B. Balson
- John R. Hearst, Jr.
- Frank A. Bennack, Jr.
- Harvey L. Lipton
- John G. Conomikes
- Gilbert C. Maurer
- Richard E. Deems
- Mark F. Miller
- Victor F. Ganzi
- Raymond J. Petersen
- George R. Hearst, Jr.
- Virginia H. Randt
- Robert M. Frehse, Jr., Foundation Executive Director
- Thomas Eastham, Foundation Western Director
- Rayne Guilford, Program Director