WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement today to remind Nebraska students about the October 4, 2017, deadline for submitting applications to the Nebraska Department of Education for the U.S. Senate Youth Program’s (USSYP) 56th Annual Washington Week:

“This wonderful opportunity offers Nebraska's students a front row seat to our nation's policymaking process. Each year, our state's representatives walk away with leadership skills they can bring back and use in their communities. I encourage all students with a passion for public service to apply and take advantage of this special program.”

The two selected Nebraska students will join other delegates from across the country for an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. on March 3-10, 2018. There, they will attend briefings with senators and congressional staff. Additionally, the delegates will tour the U.S. Capitol, U.S. Supreme Court building, and the Pentagon. They will also tour historic landmarks and various Smithsonian museums. Each delegate receives a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship sponsored by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. The foundation underwrites all Senate Youth Program expenses.

Delegates must be juniors or seniors and elected or appointed student officers for the 2017-2018 academic year. They must also reside in the state where they attend school. Names of selected students will be formally announced by mid-December.

Interested students can receive applications from their high school principal, counselor or online here. Completed applications must be submitted to Nebraska’s selection administrator at the Nebraska Department of Education and received by 4 p.m. CST on October 4, 2017:

The USSYP was created in 1962 to help increase students’ understanding of the democratic process and the federal government. This program is sponsored by the Senate and fully funded by The Hearst Foundations — no government funds are utilized for this program.