CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) announced today West Virginia’s finalists for the 2021-2022 U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP). Six finalists were chosen from an extensive application pool of juniors and seniors competing to be one of two USSYP delegates to represent the state. 

Now in its 60^th year, the program is merit-based and highly competitive. Each delegate will receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship along with a week-long, intensive education and leadership virtual program known as Washington Week, which will be held March 5-10, 2022.

The 2022 finalists are:

A panel of law and civics professionals from around the state will interview the finalists on November 22, 2021, for chance to be awarded this prestigious national scholarship. The two delegates chosen to represent West Virginia will be announced by The Hearst Foundation in late December. 

The USSYP was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962 and has been sponsored by the Senate and fully funded by The Hearst Foundations since inception. The purpose for the program as stated in Senate testimony is “to increase young Americans’ understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government, learn the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and emphasize the vital importance of democratic decision making not only for America but for people around the world.” To learn more, visit www.ussenateyouth.org.