DoDEA Students Selected for United States Senate Youth Program

Strategic Insights -

The United States Senate Youth Program has announced the selection of two high school students from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) to represent the organization at the 62nd annual USSYP Washington Week, to be held from March 2-9, 2024. Mr. Baden Francis and Mr. Robert Rasmussen will each receive a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate study. Both students were chosen for their outstanding leadership abilities, strong commitment to volunteer work, and academic achievements ranking them in the top one percent of their states.

Key Takeaways:

  • The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) has selected two students from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) to attend the 62nd annual USSYP Washington Week, to be held from March 2-9, 2024.
  • Mr. Baden Francis and Mr. Robert Rasmussen will each receive a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate study as part of the program.
  • The two students were selected from among DoDEA's top student leaders, demonstrating outstanding leadership abilities, a strong commitment to volunteer work, and academic achievements ranking them in the top one percent of their states among high school juniors and seniors.
  • The USSYP was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962 and has been sponsored by the Senate and fully funded by The Hearst Foundations since its inception.
  • The program's mission is to increase young Americans' understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government, learn the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and emphasize the vital importance of democratic decision making not only for America but for people around the world.
  • Each year, the program brings the most outstanding high school students to Washington, D.C. for an intensive week-long study of the federal government and the people who lead it. The students are selected by the state departments of education nationwide and the Department of Defense Education Activity, after nomination by teachers and principals.
  • Chosen as alternates to the 2024 program were Benjamin Gallei from Brussels, Belgium, who attends AFNORTH International School and Beau Carson from Camp Humphreys, South Korea, who attends Humphreys High School.
  • DoDEA plans, directs, coordinates, and manages pre-kindergarten through 12th grade education programs for school-age children of Department of Defense personnel who would otherwise not have access to high-quality public education.

Statistics:

  • 62nd annual USSYP Washington Week will be held from March 2-9, 2024.
  • Mr. Baden Francis and Mr. Robert Rasmussen will each receive a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate study.
  • 104 students will be part of the national delegation for the 2024 USSYP Washington Week.
  • More than 6,100 strong, alumni of the program continue to excel and develop impressive qualities that are often directed toward public service.
  • 2024 USSYP alternates include Benjamin Gallei from Brussels, Belgium, and Beau Carson from Camp Humphreys, South Korea.

Sources:

  • U.S. Department of Defense's Education Activity
  • United States Senate Youth Program
  • The Hearst Foundations