The United States Senate Youth Program, established in 1962 by U.S. Senate Resolution, is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service. The 50th Anniversary program will be held in Washington, D.C., from March 3 - 10, 2012. Two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity will spend a week in Washington experiencing their national government in action. Student delegates will hear major policy addresses by Senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies, as well as participate in a meeting with a Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses will be provided by The Hearst Foundations. In addition, each delegate will also be awarded a $5,000 College Scholarship for undergraduate studies, with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science.

Wisconisn's state deadline for application to the USSYP Washington Week, 2012, is: October 19, 2011. Interested students should contact their high school principals. If the school does not have applications for the 2012 program, students may contact the Wisconsin selection administrator:

Ms. Kristen McDaniel

Social Studies Consultant

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

PO Box 7841

Madison, WI 53707-7841

(608) 266-2207

kristen.mcdaniel@dpi.wi.gov