65th Annual UNITED STATES SENATE YOUTH PROGRAM 2027 SENATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Now in its 65th year, the United States Senate Youth Program offers an outstanding opportunity for exceptional student leaders. Here in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) works collaboratively with the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils (PASC) to administer the program.

Sponsored by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, the program features an all-expense paid, week-long program (March 6-13, 2027) in Washington, D.C., as well as the award of a $12,500 collegiate scholarship to each of two student delegates from each state. More information regarding this program can be accessed at United States Senate Youth Program.

All information you, and your student representative, need to successfully complete the online application, can be found at What is the United States Senate Youth  Program?. Please carefully review the rules of eligibility and selection criteria to ensure your student meets the eligibility requirements as established by the Hearst Foundation. Ineligible students will not be considered for this program under any circumstances. The website also contains guidance for helping you select the nominee from your school. 

Please disseminate the information regarding this program as soon as possible, as time is of the essence. Your Social Studies teachers, School Counselors, Student Council and National Honor Society Advisors, Junior and Senior Class Advisors, FBLA, DECA, 4-H, FFA, Interact, Key Club, and JROTC Directors may be particularly interested in the program. Only ONE student may represent your school, and your signature is required on a separate form to certify that the student represents your school. Additional selection rules can be found on the website.

The application must be submitted no later than October 4, 2026. While we ask that all materials be submitted electronically, information on mailing or emailing materials separately is also on the website. As students are required to write several essays and obtain letters of recommendation, so do not delay starting this process!

Felix Yerace is the Pennsylvania Coordinator for the Hearst Foundation, you may contact Felix at any time with questions regarding the application process. The best contact is senateyouth@pasc.net, and you may also contact Felix at 412-221-4542 x603 should you need assistance.

Thank you for helping to make these programs a continued success in the Commonwealth, and best wishes for a successful school year.