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 $10,000 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 7–14, 2026.
In North Carolina, the application process opens on August 1 each year, unless national processes are delayed.