Senators Encourage Mississippi High School Seniors and Juniors to Apply for Leadership Program

Strategic Insights -

U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith recently highlighted the upcoming September 30 deadline for Mississippi high school juniors and seniors to apply for the 2026 U.S. Senate Youth Program. The esteemed program 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. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with U.S. Senators, cabinet members, and other key policymakers during the 64th annual Washington Week, taking place March 7-14, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The program, established in 1962, is fully funded and operated by the nonprofit Hearst Foundation, and the Mississippi Department of Education has set a deadline of September 30, 2025, to apply.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 2026 U.S. Senate Youth Program offers $10,000 college scholarships to two Mississippi high school students who hold leadership positions.
  • The program is designed to introduce student leaders to the federal government and public policy.
  • Washington Week participants will meet with U.S. Senators, cabinet members, Defense and State Department officials, and senior media representatives.
  • The program is fully funded and operated by the nonprofit Hearst Foundation.
  • The Mississippi Department of Education has set a deadline of September 30, 2025, to apply for the program.
  • Interested students can review the USSYP 2026 Washington Week brochure and visit the USSYP website for more information.
  • Student applicants should contact their high school principal or Mississippi's state selection administrator: Mrs. Sandra Hilliard, Coordinator of Recognition Programs, Mississippi Department of Education.
  • Shayleen Moeini and Jackson Pearce, both of Gulfport, represented Mississippi at the 63rd annual Washington Week earlier this year.

Statistics:

  • 102 students will be selected for the 64th annual Washington Week.
  • The USSYP has been in operation since 1962.
  • The program is funded by the nonprofit Hearst Foundation.
  • The deadline to apply for the program is September 30, 2025.
  • The program offers two $10,000 college scholarships to selected students.

Sources:

  • U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith press release
  • Mississippi Department of Education
  • USSYP 2026 Washington Week brochure
  • Hearst Foundation
  • Mississippi USSYP application is available here.