Dodd, Liberman Seek Nominations

 For US Senate Youth Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nominations are now being accepted for the 2004 United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). The program, established by the Senate in 1962, allows two students from each state to travel to Washington for a weeklong study of the government.

“Young people are the future of our democracy,” noted Sen Christopher Dodd. “The USSYP helps foster a better understanding of our federal government. I encourage all Connecticut student leaders to participate in this very important program!”

Sen Joseph Liberman agreed. “The USSYP is a wonderful way of getting young adults involved in their government,” he said. “I strongly urge students from across Connecticut to take this opportunity to come to Washington and see first-hand how they can make a difference in the future of this great nation.”

The William Randolph Hearst Foundation funds the USYYP. While in Washington, participants will visit Capitol Hill, the White House, the Pentagon, the State Department, the Supreme Court and other D.C. landmarks. During their visit, Connecticut’s two student representatives are expected to meet with senators, cabinet members, government leaders, and other policy makers.

The program is open to Connecticut junior and senior elected school officers for the 2003–04 academic year. Applicants must be a permanent resident of the United States and currently enrolled in a Connecticut public or private secondary school. The names of the students selected to participate will be announced this December. In addition to an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., each delegate will receive a $5,000 college scholarship.

Students interested in applying for the USSYP should contact their high school principal or Daniel Gregg of the Connecticut State Department of Education at 860-713-6744, or through email at dan.gregg@po.state.ct.us.

For more information on the USSYP program, students may visit the website at www.ussenateyouth.org.