BISMARCK- The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction is seeking applications for the U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP) through Oct. 22. Two high school juniors or seniors from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity annually are selected for the program, which consists of a “Washington Week” event in March.

It provides a $10,000 college scholarship to selected delegates in the name of the U.S. Senate. Selection is based on the applicant’s outstanding abilities and demonstrated qualities of leadership in an elected or appointed student office for the entire school year. The primary purposes of the qualifying leadership position must be representation of a constituency and service to others. Applicants are scored and ranked by a state selection committee.

The North Dakota USSYP application process consists of completing a web-based form, preparing both a personal and persuasive essay, providing letters of support, and providing principal and parent signatures.

Those with questions about the application process may call Jennifer Odell, the Department of Public Instruction’s communication officer and USSYP state coordinator, at 328-3216.