U.S. Senate Youth Program Accepting Applications for 2026

Senators Katie Britt from Alabama and Edward Markey from Massachusetts, who co-chairs the U.S. Senate Youth Program, announced on Monday that the program is now open for its 64th application round. The annual Washington Week is scheduled for March 7th to 14th, 2026.

“The U.S. Youth Program draws in some of the brightest young talents,” Britt said. “We’re thrilled to support the program as co-chairs this year and can’t wait to meet the exceptional students selected, including two representatives from Alabama.”

The program will select two students from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Educational Activities. Participants will engage in an intense week focused on federal government studies, interacting with U.S. senators, former presidents, cabinet members, Supreme Court justices, senior media figures, and other influential policymakers.

Established in 1962, the program is sponsored by the Senate, fully funded and managed by the Hearst Foundation. Each of the 104 student participants will earn a $10,000 scholarship for their college education, promoting continued study in government and history. With a legacy of over 6,300 graduates, many have gone on to serve in public roles.

During Washington Week, both Britt and Markey will address the students in keynote speeches. Markey emphasized, “The U.S. Senate Youth Program offers a unique chance for talented students across the country to participate in a week of civic engagement in our nation’s capital. This is a critical step for future leaders, enhancing their educational journey and commitment to their communities.”

This competitive, merit-based program includes military officers as chaperones, selected through the Secretary of Defense, marking a long-standing collaboration between the National Youth Program and the Department of Defense.

The 2026 USSYP Senate Advisory Committee features both majority and minority leaders in the Senate who act as honorary co-chairs, along with support from four senators from each party.

The delegation selection process is managed by the Chief School Officers of each state, in collaboration with high school principals. Eligible applicants must:

• Be a junior or senior in high school.
• Hold an elected or appointed position in Student Government or other recognized school organizations for the 2025-2026 academic year.
• Reside in the state where they attend school.

For more information on eligibility, application processes, and deadlines, students can consult their high school principal or counselor, or visit ussenateyouth.org for state-specific details.