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United States Senate Youth Program Scholarship

United States Senate Youth Application Deadline October 4, 2024.

The United States Senate Youth Program brings the highest-level officials from each branch of government to meet with an outstanding group of young leaders - two high school juniors or seniors from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) for an intensive week-long education and leadership program to be held either in Washington, D.C., or online. The program is merit-based and highly competitive. Each student will also receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science.

Program Summary
  1. The 63rd Annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) Washington Week is being planned March 1-8, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Student delegates will partake in comprehensive interactive leadership program in the stated time frame, and each will receive the $10,000 college scholarship.
  2. Please refer to the United States Senate Youth Program Brochure for complete details. This brochure provides valuable information regarding the USSYP program rules and regulations.
  3. Each high school principal may choose students to submit the USSYP application on the form supplied by the Department of Education (DOE). Each application must have the school's principal's signature. The application and all required attachments must be emailed no later than October 4, 2024 to the following email address: melissa.bothun@state.sd.us.

    Mailed in applications will not be accepted.
  4. Required: Students must email with their application two (2) letters of recommendation. One letter should be an academic letter from a teacher, counselor or principal. The other letter should be from a mentor, employer or adult advisor.
  5. Required: Each student must email with their application a copy of their High School Transcript.
  6. If available attach a copy of your ACT Score.
  7. Department of Education will select two delegates to represent South Dakota in the program. Selections will be based on the information the student provides with their application. The Department of Education will reach out to notify and congratulate the selected delegates and alternates after Dec. 1, 2024. The Hearst Foundations will follow-up with congratulations and information for the selected delegates and alternates.
  8. The USSYP website can be found at https://ussenateyouth.org/
  9. There will be no USSYP Public Affairs & History exam this year.

For questions contact Melissa Bothun: melissa.bothun@state.sd.us, 605-295-0433.



Scholarship Application

United States Senate Youth Program Application 2024-2025

The United States Senate Youth Application deadline is October 4, 2024.

Past Scholarship Recipients
2024 Recipients
  • Leila Balsiger, Winner High School, Delegate
  • Katie Schulte, Yankton High School, Delegate
  • Jagur Parks, Stevens High School, Alternate


2023 Recipients
  • Dustin Hermansen, Aberdeen Central High School, Delegate
  • Maxwell Lightfield, Milbank High School, Delegate
  • Benjamin Daggett, Lennox High School, Alternate
  • Madelyn Kludt, Menno High School, Alternate


2022 Recipients
  • Grace Enz, Brookings High School, Delegate
  • Matea Gordon, Sturgis Brown High School, Delegate
  • Dustin Hermansen, Aberdeen Central High School, Alternate
  • Carter LaMont, Highmore-Harrold High School, Alternate