OFFICIAL RULES
  1. To participate in the program, students must be able to remain with the group throughout the entire program week. No tour 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 program, 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 death or documented health emergency in the immediate family.

    All travel is scheduled within these time frames pending weather conditions and flight availability, no other exceptions.
    • Arrival on Saturday March 7th between 12:00 noon and 7:00 PM
    • Departure on Saturday March 14th between 5:00 AM and 10:00 AM
  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 teachers or the state selection contacts. Deadline dates vary by state.
  4. The Chief 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, 2008 the names of their two delegates and alternates. After the confirmation of the delegates and alternates is received, The Hearst Foundations will forward to the delegate a statement of participation to be signed by his or her parents or legal guardians, a copy of the rules and scholarship regulations and other pertinent information relating to the delegate's stay in Washington.
  5. The Hearst Foundations will arrange transportation to and from Washington, D.C. It will be the responsibility of the local school district, local secondary school, parents and or legal guardians to transport (at their expense) each delegate to and from the nearest commercial airport, bus terminal or railroad station. The Department of Defense Education Activity will provide round-trip transportation for their two 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.