U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Edward Markey (D-Mass.), who serve as co-chairs of the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), have announced that applications are now open for the 64th annual Washington Week, scheduled for March 7–14, 2026.
“The United States Youth Program attracts the best and brightest young leaders, and I’m thrilled to support this program as a co-chair this year. I look forward to meeting the outstanding students who are selected, including the two Alabamians who I know will represent our state exceptionally. This week will surely create memories that last a lifetime and provide lessons and opportunities that will shape the futures of these young men and women in meaningful ways,” said Republican Co-Chair Senator Katie Britt.
The USSYP selects two students from each state, along with representatives from the District of Columbia and Department of Defense Education Activity, to participate in a week-long study focused on federal government operations. During Washington Week, delegates meet with U.S. Senators, the President, Cabinet Secretaries, a Supreme Court Justice, senior national media members, and other policymakers.
Established by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962, the program is supported by the Senate and funded by The Hearst Foundations. Each of the 104 student delegates receives a $10,000 undergraduate scholarship for college or university studies in government or history. According to program records at https://ussenateyouth.org/, more than 6,300 alumni have participated in USSYP since its inception.
Both Senator Britt and Senator Markey will host keynote events during Washington Week.
Democratic Co-Chair Senator Edward J. Markey stated: “The U.S Senate Youth Program is an exciting opportunity for talented students from Massachusetts and across the country to engage in a fulfilling week of civic engagement and civil discourse in our nation’s capital. I encourage all future leaders to consider taking this next step to further their education and guide their commitment to their communities and the country.”
Participation is competitive and merit-based. Military officers serving as chaperones are chosen through a process managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. This partnership between USSYP and the Department of Defense has been ongoing for decades.
The advisory committee for USSYP 2026 includes Vice President Kamala Harris; Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer; Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell; Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus S. King Jr. (I-Maine), and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.).
Each state’s chief school officer oversees delegate selection with high school principals’ cooperation. Students interested in applying can find details about eligibility requirements at their schools or on https://ussenateyouth.org/.
