Student Scholarships, Awards & Special Programs

U.S. Senate Youth Program

Apply to represent Massachusetts at the 65th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) Washington Week (March 6–13, 2027)!

Application Deadline: Friday, September 25, 2026 at 9:00 PM

Online Information Session: Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 3:00 – 4:00 PM. Registration required.

Note: Application materials for the 2026-2027 USSYP will likely be posted by August 31, 2026.

Program information: Each year, two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity spend a week in Washington, D.C., participating in an intensive education and leadership program to deepen their appreciation of the country's political processes and hear firsthand from high-ranking government leaders - student delegates have traditionally met with their U.S. senators and other Senate leaders, president of the United States, a Supreme Court justice, officials of the Departments of State and Defense and other federal agencies, and senior members of the national media.

The two (2) delegates chosen to represent Massachusetts will receive a $12,500 undergraduate college scholarship and be required to attend Washington Week in Washington D.C. on March 6 – 13, 2027. All transportation, hotel, and meal expenses will be provided by The Hearst Foundations . Delegates must participate in Washington Week in accordance with all program rules and policies in order to receive the financial scholarship.

Eligibility Requirements

Each applicant must meet All of the following criteria

  • Is a high school junior or senior enrolled for the entire academic year (through spring 2027) in a Massachusetts high school. Home-schooled students must be approved by DESE to apply; please email the contact listed below.
  • Lives in Massachusetts for the entire academic year (2026-2027); at least one of the parents/legal guardians must currently reside in Massachusetts.
  • Serves in a qualified elected or appointed leadership position in which they are actively representing a constituency in organizations related to student government, education, public affairs, and/or community service.
  • Can attend Washington Week (March 6–13, 2027) in its entirety, including being fully available both the arrival and departure travel days (March 6 and March 13, respectively).
  • Has not been a delegate to Washington Week or received a USSYP scholarship.
  • Is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident at the time of application.

Massachusetts USSYP Contact: Juin Liu via Achievement@mass.gov

Additional Information (external links)

Last Updated: August 5, 2026

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