2023 USSYP Yearbook - Flipbook - Page 4
UNITED STATES SENATE
RESOLUTION 324
In 1962, Senate Resolution 324, submitted by Senator
KUCHEL (for himself and Senators MANSFIELD,
DIRKSEN, and HUMPHREY), was referred to the
Committee on Rules and Administration, and,
subsequently, unanimously approved by the United
State Senate as follows:
WHEREAS the continued vitality of our Republic
depends, in part, on the intelligent understanding
of our political processes and the functions of our
National Government by the citizens of the United
States; and
WHEREAS the durability of a constitutional
democracy is dependent upon alert, talented,
vigorous competition for political leadership; and
WHEREAS individual Senators have cooperated with
various private and university undergraduate and
graduate fellowship and internship programs relating
to the work of Congress; and
WHEREAS in the high schools of the United States,
there exists among students who have been elected
to student body offices in their junior or senior
year a potential reservoir of young citizens who are
experiencing their first responsibilities of service
to a constituency and who should be encouraged to
deepen their interest in and understanding of their
country’s political process: Now, therefore, be it
T
he United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is an intensive week-long educational
experience sponsored by the United States Senate that nurtures an important reservoir
of student talent and energy toward the high purpose of public service.
RESOLVED, That the Senate hereby expresses its
willingness to cooperate in a nationwide competitive
high school Senate youth program which would
give several representative high school students
from each State a short indoctrination into the
operation of the United States Senate and the Federal
Government generally, if such a program can be
satisfactorily arranged and completely supported
by private funds with no expense to the Federal
Government.
The program was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962 as stated in supporting Senate
RESOLUTION 146. To amend S. Res. 324 of
the Eighty-seventh Congress to provide for the
participation of the Department of Defense
education system for dependents in overseas areas in
the Senate Youth Program.
lead it. As the students develop a deeper commitment to public service, they also form intellectual
testimony from that year, “to increase young Americans’ understanding of the interrelationships
of the three branches of government, the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and
appointed officials, and the vital importance of democratic decision making not only for America
but for people around the world.”
The 61st annual Washington Week brought 104 outstanding high school students — two from
every state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity — to
Washington, D.C. to see the federal government up close and meet and interact with those who
and emotional bonds with their peers from across the nation.
Administered and funded by The Hearst Foundations since inception, the USSYP utilizes no
government funds. The program is highly competitive and merit-based. Qualified students –
Resolved, That S. Res. 324, Eighty-seventh Congress,
agreed to May 17, 1963, is amended by adding at the
end thereof the following new section:
Section 3. For the purpose of this resolution, the
term “State” includes the Department of Defense
education system for dependents in overseas areas.
2 | UNITED STATES SENATE YOUTH PROGRAM 2023
those already serving in an elected or appointed capacity with excellent academic performance
— are nominated by their teachers, principals and guidance counselors and are ultimately
selected by their state departments of education. Delegates are each awarded a $10,000
college scholarship with certificates often personally presented by their U.S. Senators, and are
encouraged to continue coursework in history, government and public affairs.
