2026 U.S. Senate Youth Program Opens For North Dakota Students

North Dakota high school juniors and seniors have a chance to earn a $10,000 college scholarship and take part in a weeklong leadership experience in Washington, D.C., through the 2026 U.S. Senate Youth Program.

The program, created in 1962 and funded by the Hearst Foundations, selects two students from each state, the District of Columbia, and Department of Defense schools. Participants will attend “Washington Week” from March 7-14, 2026, where they will hear from leaders in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, as well as members of the national media.

Applicants must hold a qualifying elected or appointed student office for the 2025-26 school year. A state committee reviews and scores applications, which include a written essay, recommendations, and required signatures from principals and parents. This year’s essay prompt asks students what Senate committees they would want to serve on as a senator from North Dakota and what personal qualities they could bring to the role. Students are also required to certify that they did not use artificial intelligence tools to complete their submissions.

“The $10,000 scholarship is attractive, and this program also gives young North Dakotans a chance to develop their leadership skills with a group of their peers from across the country,” Baesler said. “It offers them experience in discussing and debating some of the most important issues our country faces with other young people who may hold beliefs much different from theirs.”