BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – North Dakota State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Thursday extended an invitation to high school juniors and seniors across the state to apply for the 2025 U.S. Senate Youth Program. The prestigious program, which offers a $10,000 college scholarship, is open to students who demonstrate leadership abilities and a commitment to public service. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Central time on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.

Each year, two students from every state, along with representatives from the District of Columbia and Department of Defense schools, are selected to participate in the program. In addition to the scholarship, the program includes a “Washington Week” event in March 2025, where students will hear from key figures in the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal government, as well as from members of the national media.

Applicants must hold an elected or appointed student office during the entire school year, demonstrate leadership and service, and represent their constituents. A state selection committee will rank and score the applications, which include a web-based form, personal and persuasive essays, letters of support, and required signatures from a principal and a parent.

“North Dakota students who are interested in leadership and public service should take advantage of this opportunity,” Baesler said. “It gives them a chance to develop their leadership skills with a group of their peers and discuss and debate some of the most important issues our country faces.”

The $10,000 scholarship is funded by the Hearst Foundations, originally established by media mogul William Randolph Hearst.