The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is seeking two high school students to represent the state at the annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). This program provides student leaders with a deeper understanding of government, and each selected delegate will receive a $10,000 scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., from March 7-14, 2026. Detailed information about the program may be found on the VDOE USSYP website.
There are very specific qualifications and expectations for candidates selected as delegates. VDOE strictly adheres to the USSYP program qualifications and expectations outlined by the Hearst Foundation. Applications may be accessed and submitted online via the Online Student Application Portal beginning Friday, August 15, 2025. Top candidates will be invited to interview and take a public affairs exam. Final selections will be based on the application, essays, exam results, academic performance, and leadership qualities.
For more details on qualifications and the application process, visit the VDOE USSYP website.
