United States Senate Youth

Senate Youth Program Coordinator for N.C.

Michelle McLaughlin
K-12 Social Studies Consultant; U.S. Senate Youth Coordinator
Michelle.Mclaughlin@dpi.nc.gov
984-236-2827

United States Senate Youth Program 

Applications become available on August 1 of each year! 

The U.S. Senate Youth Program is merit-based and highly competitive. Qualified junior or senior high school students applying for this opportunity must show demonstrated leadership through public service in elected or appointed positions where they are actively representing a constituency in organizations that relate to government, public affairs, history, and/or community service. Qualifying students MUST be serving and representing their peers and working in service of others for the entire academic year. Each student must be actively serving in a qualified leadership position, enrolled in high school, and living the entire academic year in the state they will represent.

Two student delegates and two alternates will be selected by a final selection committee at the state level. The two winning delegates will represent North Carolina in an intensive educational program during a week-long experience in Washington, D.C. during the month of March.  Each of the two winning delegates will be awarded a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science.  To receive the scholarship, winners MUST attend the entire Washington Week activity to receive the scholarship. 

The application process in North Carolina begins on August 1 each year, unless national processes are delayed. Students applying for the Senate Youth opportunity should be currently participating in leadership, public service, and government or civic-related activities.  Students MUST be able to show a history of service and participation in such activities. 

The annual United States Senate Youth Program Washington Week experience is typically held the first or second week of March. In the post-Covid 19 pandemic era, the program has returned to its in-person status. In returning to being held in person, all delegates will be required to be fully vaccinated and boosted to attend. Students must attend the entire week-long program to receive the $10,000 scholarship. 

For Program, Eligibility, and Application Information Click This Link!