U.S. Senate Youth Program

Contact Joey Wiseman, social studies coordinator for the West Virginia Department of Education, at (304) 558-5325, or the Office of Communications at 304-558-2699 for more information. Additional program information can be found on the U.S. Senate Youth Program website at www.ussenateyouth.org .

Information about the 2012-2013 scholarship will be mailed to all High School Principals in mid-August.  Please see your school Principal or Counselor about the testing and the application process.

2011-2012 US Senate Youth Winners:

 

West Virginia Students Selected for United States Senate Youth Program
-- Students Headed to Washington, D. C. and to Receive $5,000 Scholarship--


Senators John D. Rockefeller, IV and Joe Manchin today announced the names of the two students who have been selected as delegates to the 50th Anniversary United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) that will be held March 3 – 10, 2012 in Washington, D.C. Joshua Childs of Morgantown and Magdalen Karrs of Ronceverte were chosen from across the state to be part of the group of 104 student delegates who will attend the program’s 50th Anniversary Washington Week.


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 inception. Originally proposed by Senators Kuchel, Mansfield, Dirksen and Humphrey, the impetus for the program as stated in Senate testimony was “to increase young Americans’ understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government, the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and the vital importance of democratic decision making not only for America but for people around the world.”


Each year this extremely competitive merit-based program brings 104 of the most outstanding high school students — two from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity — to Washington, D.C. for an intensive week-long study of the federal government and the people who lead it. The overall mission of the program is to help instill within each class of USSYP student delegates more profound knowledge of the American political process and a lifelong commitment to public service. In addition to the program week, The Hearst Foundations provide each
of the 104 student delegates with a $5,000 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs. Transportation and all expenses for Washington Week are also provided by The Hearst Foundations, as stipulated in S.Res.324; no government funds are utilized.


Joshua Childs attends Morgantown High School where he serves as senior class president. In this capacity, Josh exemplifies intergrity, respect and scholarship. Josh has an authentic desire to help others and is quick to volunteer, having completed over 200 hours of community service. Josh is also a member of the basketbal team and volunteers at youth basketball camp each summer. Josh plans to pursue a degree in political science upon graduation.


Magdalen Karrs attends Greenbrier East High School where she serves as Student Council represenative. In addition, Maggie is a member of chorus, varsity soccer, varsity tennis and cross country. She is a three year member of the school newspaper where she currently serves as co-editor-in-chief. Maggie also is very active in her church and community. After high school Maggies hopes to study history and eventually attend law school.

Chosen as alternates to the 2012 program were Phillip Mickinac, a resident of New Manchester, who attends Oak Glen High School and Scott Ashley, a resident of Clendenin, who attends Roane County High School.


The chief educational officer in each state selects the delegates after nomination by teachers and principals. This year’s delegates were designated by Dr. Jorea M. Marple, State Superintendent of Schools.
While in Washington the student delegates will attend meetings and briefings with Senators and Congressional staff, the President, a Justice of the Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies, an Ambassador to the United States and top members of the national media. The students will also tour many of the national monuments and several museums and they will stay at the historic Mayflower Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C.