Massachusetts United States Senate Youth Program Scholarship Application Guidelines 2023-2024

Instructions: Your USSYP submission must contain the Application Form plus Parts I–VI to be considered a complete application package.

The application package is to be completed by the student, typed, or printed clearly and contain no more than two pages for the student Application Form plus four additional pages for Parts I–VI listed below (maximum of 6 pages total — Application Form plus 4 pages containing Parts I–VI).

Use the headings below and organize your responses accordingly. You do not need to list everything you have accomplished; however, include all pertinent information relevant to your leadership qualities, community or public service and volunteerism.

---

• Application Form: Applicant, parent/guardian, and school information (2 pages).

The next six sections must be no more than four (4) additional typed pages, using a 12 font.

Part I Leadership Positions: List all elected or appointed leadership positions held, grades 9–12 including your current student representative position that makes you eligible for USSYP with a description of the election or appointment process of that office. You must hold a current leadership position for the entire 2023-2024 school year to be eligible to apply.

Part II School Activities: List significant school activities (grades 9–12) which reflect leadership capability (e.g., Editor, school newspaper; Key Club, organized community food drive). Identify the group or organization (avoid abbreviations), note your role, and list your length of service.

Part III Volunteerism/Community Service: List major activities not related to school in which you have participated. Include only activities relevant to this scholarship. List the name of the activity and length of service.

Part IV Honors, Awards, Recognition: List major honors, awards, or recognition you have earned that relate to this scholarship. Include the name of the honor and the year received.

Part V Statement of Future Aspirations: Compose one paragraph about your plans and goals including post-secondary education.

Part VI: Essay: Write an essay of 400 words or less exploring as fully as possible any one of the following essay topics. Label your essay with the appropriate Essay Topic #.

Essay Topics: Submit a persuasive essay of 400 words or less as part of your completed application. Essays must be 12 font, double spaced. Label your essay to include your name and the appropriate Essay Topic #. The essays will be judged on organization, ideas, and content, and writing conventions including citations of sources. The essay should explore as fully as possible any one of the following topics.

• Essay Topic #1: A large number of candidates are vying for the Republican Party's 2024 presidential nomination. Will the size of the GOP field make it more or less difficult for the party's eventual nominee to win the 2024 general election against the Democrats? Please discuss.

• Essay Topic #2: Imagine that you have recently been elected as one of the youngest members of the Massachusetts state legislature. What would be the first bill you would introduce? Describe the provisions of your bill and why this initiative is your top priority.

• Essay Topic #3: Federalism is a system of government in which the same territory is controlled by two different levels of government: an overarching national government; and a network of state and/or local governments. Explain the role of the Constitution in separation of powers and federalism.

• Essay Topic #4: If you became a U.S. Senator for Massachusetts what Senate Committees would you most want to be assigned to and why. What personal qualities would you bring to the job as Senator that would benefit Massachusetts.

• Essay Topic #5: Ratified in 1788, the United States Constitution first established a system of federalism. How, if at all, do the two major political parties differ in their views of the role that states' rights and federalism should play in the American political system: Please discuss using examples of where the two parties agree or disagree.

• Essay Topic #6: What role should past Supreme Court decisions play in determining how the current Supreme Court should decide its cases? Should the court adhere to past precedents most of the time? Why or why not? When is a past precedent considered so entrenched in the law that it should not be overruled under any conditions? Please discuss.

Last Updated: September 15, 2023