Hyde-smith, Wicker encourage High School Seniors and Juniors to apply for leadership program

WASHINGTON, D.C. (VDN) — U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) encourage Mississippi high school juniors and seniors to apply for the 2026 U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP). The deadline to apply is September 30.

The esteemed USSYP offers $10,000 college scholarships to two junior or senior students from Mississippi who hold elected or appointed leadership positions for the 2025-2026 school year.  Those selected will join 102 other students for the 64th annual Washington Week, taking place March 7-14, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

“Mississippi high school upperclassmen should move quickly to apply for the Senate Youth Program.  This is a terrific program that combines civics education and leadership development,” said Senator Wicker.

“Mississippi students involved in public service and leadership roles still have time to apply for the United States Senate Youth Program’s Washington Week, which offers great opportunities to learn, interact with their peers, and meet national leaders.  Our state traditionally selects outstanding delegates, and I expect nothing less this year,” said Senator Hyde-Smith, who serves on the 2026 USSYP Senate Advisory Committee.

Established by the U.S. Senate in 1962, the USSYP is designed to introduce student leaders to the federal government and public policy.  The program is fully funded and operated by the nonprofit Hearst Foundation.  During Washington Week, participants will have the opportunity to meet with U.S. Senators, cabinet members, Defense and State Department officials, senior media representatives, and other key policymakers.

Interested students can review the USSYP 2026 Washington Week brochure and visit the USSYP website for more information.

The Mississippi Department of Education has set a deadline of Sept. 30, 2025, to apply for the program.  The Mississippi USSYP application is available here.

To apply, students should also contact their high school principal or Mississippi’s state selection administrator:

Mrs. Sandra Hilliard
Coordinator of Recognition Programs
Office of Teaching and Learning, Division of Educator Effectiveness
Mississippi Department of Education
shilliard@mdek12.org – (601) 359-3513