California students can apply for Senate youth program

California high school principals can nominate up to two outstanding juniors or seniors serving in elected or appointed leadership positions for the 2026 United States Senate Youth Program, which offers two state delegates a $10,000 scholarship and a week-long government immersion experience in Washington, D.C. The program, coordinated by the California Department of Education and sponsored by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, requires students to be actively serving in qualified leadership positions and representing a constituency in organizations related to government, education, public affairs or community service. Students cannot apply directly and must be nominated by their principal, with Intent to Apply forms due Sept. 22 at noon and completed applications due Oct. 20. The 64th annual Washington Week, scheduled for March 7-14, 2026, will feature seminars and briefings with senators and House representatives, plus meetings with officials from all three branches of government. Created by unanimous Senate resolution in 1962, the nonpartisan program aims to deepen students' understanding of America's political processes and strengthen their resolve to pursue public service careers. Students must attend the full program to receive the scholarship and must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in California schools for the entire academic year. More information and application materials are available at cde.ca.gov/eo/in/us/index.asp.