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Youth

Illinois Students Selected for 48th Annual United States Senate Youth Program

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Two high school students, Hayley Jones and Sidanth Sapru, from Illinois have been chosen to attend the 48th Annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) in Washington, D.C. from March 6-13, 2010. The program, established by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962, aims to increase young Americans' understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government and the importance of democratic decision making.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hayley Jones, a senior at Yorkville High School, and Sidanth Sapru, a senior at Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, were selected as Illinois' delegates to the USSYP, joining 102 other student delegates from across the United States.
  • The USSYP was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962 to provide a unique educational experience for high school students, focusing on the fundamental importance of the democratic process in the U.S.
  • Each year, the program selects two student delegates from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity to participate in a week-long study of the federal government and the people who lead it.
  • The program's mission is to instill within its delegates more profound knowledge of the American political process and a lifelong commitment to public service.
  • Hayley Jones is a student council vice president, class treasurer, and member of the National Honor Society, while Sidanth Sapru serves as student council president and speech team president.
  • The USSYP provides each delegate with a $5,000 undergraduate college scholarship, as well as transportation and expenses for the program week, which is fully funded by The Hearst Foundations.

Statistics:

  • 104 student delegates from across the United States will participate in the 48th Annual USSYP.
  • Each delegate will receive a $5,000 undergraduate college scholarship.
  • The USSYP has been sponsored by the Senate since its inception in 1962 and has been fully funded by The Hearst Foundations since 1962.
  • 104 delegates will attend the program's 48th Annual Washington Week from March 6-13, 2010.

Sources:

  • Illinois Senator Roland W. Burris
  • Senate Resolution 324
  • The Hearst Foundations

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