Hinds Today

U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) have encouraged Mississippi high school juniors and seniors with student leadership roles to apply for the 2025 U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP).

The USSYP offers $10,000 college scholarships to two junior or senior students from Mississippi who hold elected or appointed leadership positions for the 2024-2025 school year. Those selected will join 102 other students for the 63rd annual Washington Week, scheduled to take place in the nation’s capital from March 1 – 8, 2025.

“The U.S. Senate Youth Program provides students an invaluable opportunity to learn, meet, and network with leaders from across the country. It is a great tradition, and I encourage all eligible Mississippians to apply to represent our state in this program,” Wicker stated.

“The United States Senate Youth Program is a wonderful opportunity for Mississippi’s young movers and shakers to engage with national leaders and other community-focused peers. The Magnolia State has a lot of promising young talent, and I encourage them all to apply for the 2025 program,” Hyde-Smith added.

Established by the U.S. Senate in 1962, the USSYP aims to introduce student leaders to federal government operations and public policy. The program is fully funded and operated by the nonprofit Hearst Foundation. During Washington Week, participants will have opportunities to meet with U.S. Senators, cabinet members, Defense and State Department officials, senior media representatives, and other key figures in policy-making.

Interested students can review the USSYP 2025 Washington Week brochure and visit the U.S. Senate Youth Program website for more information.

The Mississippi Department of Education has set a deadline of Sept. 30, 2024, for applications. The Mississippi USSYP application is available online.

To apply, students should also contact their high school principal or Mississippi’s state selection administrator:

Mrs. Sandra Hilliard

Coordinator of Recognition Programs

Office of Teaching and Learning, Division of Educator Effectiveness

Mississippi Department of Education

shilliard@mdek12.org – (601) 359-3513