WASHINGTON – With the start of the 2014-1015 school year in Mississippi, U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Thad Cochran  (R-Miss.) today encouraged eligible Mississippi high school students to apply for the 2015 U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP).

A Sept. 30, 2014, application deadline has been set for students who want to be one of the two Mississippi high school students who will represent the state at the 53rd annual USSYP Washington Week, March 7-14, 2015, in Washington D.C.  High school seniors or juniors involved in student government at public or private schools are eligible for the week-long program.  The selection process is based, in part, on academic achievement, leadership capabilities and public service.

“Visiting our nation’s capital is one of the best ways to learn firsthand about our government,” Wicker said.  “This exceptional program gives Mississippi students an opportunity to meet with influential leaders and build valuable skills for potential careers in public service.  I encourage all eligible students to apply for this unique educational experience.”

“The U.S. Senate Youth Program offers students an excellent opportunity to learn more about our government, public service and leadership,” Cochran said.  “I look forward to a broad selection of Mississippi youth applying to represent our state in this prestigious program.”

The Hearst Foundation, which fully funds and administers the USSYP, will provide each of the 104 delegates with a $5,000 undergraduate scholarship and a trip to Washington.  The program was established by the U.S. Senate in 1962 to expose student leaders to the federal government and the U.S. Senate.

While in the nation’s capital, the selected Mississippi students will join delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity.  The USSYP Washington Week program includes meetings with a Supreme Court Justice, U.S. Senators, cabinet secretaries and other policy makers.

Mississippi’s 2014 Senate Youth Program delegates were Luke Kelly of Moss Point and John Kyle of Nesbit.

Interested students may visit www.ussenateyouth.org to access a 2015 USSYP brochure outlining the rules and selection process information.  Students may also contact their high school principal or Mississippi’s state-level selection administrator:

Cecily McNair
Director, Mississippi Teacher Center
P.O. Box 771
Jackson, Miss. 39205
(601) 359-3631
cmcnair@mde.k12.ms.us