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

The esteemed 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, taking 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,” said Wicker.

“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 said.

Established by the U.S. Senate in 1962, the USSYP is designed to introduce student leaders to the federal government and public policy.  The program is fully funded and operated by the nonprofit Hearst Foundation.  During Washington Week, participants will have the opportunity 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, to apply for the program. The Mississippi USSYP application is available here.

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