The U.S. Senate Youth Program is merit-based and highly competitive. Qualified junior or senior high school students applying to the program must show evidence of demonstrated leadership through public service in elected or appointed positions where they currently and actively represent a constituency in organizations that relate to government, public affairs, history, and/or community service. Qualifying students MUST currently represent their peers or a constituency for the entire academic year. Each student must be enrolled in high school and live the entire school year in the state they will represent. Students who apply MUST be elected or appointed leaders and actively participate in public service with school or community civic-related activities. Students MUST also be able to show a history of service and participation in service activities.

In North Carolina, two student delegates and two alternates will be selected by a state-level committee. The two winning delegates will represent North Carolina in an intensive educational program during a week-long experience in Washington, D.C., in March. The two winning delegates will also be awarded a $12,500 undergraduate college scholarship to pursue coursework in history and political science. To receive the scholarship, winners MUST attend the entire Washington Week activity. This year's week-long Washington Week education experience will be from March 6–13, 2027.

North Carolina's USSYP application opens August 1 each year, unless national processes are delayed.

Use the links below to access information and application materials for North Carolina's USSYP Selection Process.

NC Eligibility (*Important: DO NOT apply until you have thoroughly read the "Eligibility" information.)

**A student who is a senior in the 5th year (year 13) of a five-year program at an early college is NOT eligible to apply.

NC Application (Opens August 1 each year)
NC Timeline 2026-27
NC Delegates for 2026
NC USSYP Alumni Members
Other Student Opportunities
Contact NC's Senate Youth Program Coordinator

USSYP National Resources

Visit the National United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) WebsiteLinks to an external site.

Read About NC's Current Senate Youth Delegates and Alternates for 2026

Read NC Senators' Press Release Announcing the State's Senate Youth Delegates for 2026 Download Read NC Senators' Press Release Announcing the State's Senate Youth Delegates for 2026

March 2026 United States Senate Youth Washington Week Digital Yearbook

March 2026 United States Senate Youth Washington Week Delegate Essays

March 2025 United States Senate Youth Washington Week Digital YearbookLinks to an external site.

Links to an external site.March 2025 United States Senate Youth Washington Week Delegate EssaysLinks to an external site.

- - Links to an external site.N.C.'s Delegate Sriya Vangala's EssayLinks to an external site.

March 2024 United States Senate Youth Washington Week Digital YearbookLinks to an external site.

March 2024 United States Senate Youth Washington Week Delegate EssaysLinks to an external site.

March 2023 United States Senate Youth Washington Week Digital YearbookLinks to an external site.

March 2023 United States Senate Youth Washington Week Delegate EssaysLinks to an external site.

Browse the United States Senate Youth Program's National Videos Links to an external site.

Go to the Senate Youth Page on the NCDPI Agency Website (An External Site)