The Maine DOE is encouraging principals and headmasters in Maine schools to nominate one student for the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). Nominees must be a junior or senior in a Maine School and serve in an elected or appointed leadership capacity.
Nominees should have a true interest in government, history, politics, and leadership and demonstrate high academic achievement, aspirations, confidence, and creativity – characteristics that define USSYP delegates. Among the many distinguished former program delegates is Senator Collins, the first delegate in the nation who has been elected to the U.S. Senate.
Two Maine students will be selected to join 102 other delegates for the USSYP’s 53rd annual Washington Week, held March 7-14, 2015. Each year, the USSYP brings delegates together to experience a week-long, all-expenses-paid educational program about the workings of the Senate and the federal government. Past program experiences have included visits to Capitol Hill, the White House, the Pentagon, the State Department, the Supreme Court and other historic sites in Washington. Delegates will meet and converse with senators, cabinet officers, government leaders and other policy-makers. Each of the delegates will also receive a $5,000 undergraduate college scholarship.
Informational packets and specific instructions were mailed to high school principals and headmasters on Aug. 15. Student applications must be postmarked by Oct. 10. Names of students selected will be announced in mid-December. More details, including a program brochure, may be found on the Maine USSYP page.
Please direct any questions to Maine DOE’s USSYP Coordinator and Social Studies Specialist, Kristie Littlefield at kristie.littlefield@maine.gov or 207-624-6828.