OFFICIAL RULES
  1. To participate in the program, students must be able to remain with the group throughout the entire program week. NO TOURS OR TRIPS WILL BE PERMITTED BY INDIVIDUAL DELEGATES WHILE TRAVELING TO OR FROM WASHINGTON D.C. OR WHILE IN WASHINGTON, D.C. THIS POLICY INCLUDES ANY OTHER OUTSIDE ACTIVITY, CONFERENCE, SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION OR EVENT OF ANOTHER ORGANIZATION WHICH IS CONDUCTED IN WASHINGTON, D.C. OR THE SURROUNDING AREA DURING THE TIME FRAME OF THE USSYP WASHINGTON WEEK. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE OTHER THAN FOR DOCUMENTED HEALTH EMERGENCY IN THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY.

    All travel is scheduled within these time frames pending weather conditions and flight availability, no other exceptions. The program requires that students completely block both arrival and departure days to receive the travel benefit.
    • ARRIVAL: Saturday March 3rd between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM
    • DEPARTURE: Saturday March 10th between 5:00 AM and 5:00 PM
  2. No arrangements for individual religious practices or services other than dietary guidelines will be made during Washington Week. This policy will be strictly observed from the time the student delegates arrive at the Washington area airports, train stations and program site until they return to their home sites.
  3. Applications must be obtained from high school principals, guidance counselors or the state-level selection contact. All state selection contacts and deadlines are listed on the USSYP website: http://www.ussenateyouth.org/. Application deadline dates vary by State.
  4. The Chief State School Officer from each state, the District of Columbia and Department of Defense Education Activity must submit in writing to The Hearst Foundations by DECEMBER 1, 2011 the names of their two delegates and alternates. Upon state confirmation of delegates and alternates, the program requires each delegate to submit a statement of participation to be signed by his or her parents or legal guardians. A full informational packet, including a copy of the rules and scholarship regulations and other pertinent information relating to the delegate’s stay in Washington, D.C. will then be forwarded to each family.
  5. The Hearst Foundations will arrange transportation to and from Washington, D.C. It will be the responsibility of the parents and or legal guardians to transport (at their expense) each delegate to and from the nearest commercial airport or train station. The Department of Defense Education Activity will provide round-trip transportation for the DoDEA delegates from their homes to Washington, D.C.
  6. Each delegate will be the guest of the United States Senate throughout the program. Students are required to conduct themselves in such a manner as to be a credit to both the United States Senate and the United States Senate Youth Program.
  7. The program does not provide/allow for any individual or group athletic activities outside of the hotel facility.
  8. Rules related to the United States Senate Youth Program and scholarship awards shall be construed, interpreted and applied by The Hearst Foundations, whose action and determination shall be final and binding.