NEWS RELEASE

Release Date: September 10, 2009

Contact: Dr. Tony Webster, Scholastic Development, 601-359-4305
Pete Smith, Communications Director, 601-359-1336

MDE Accepting nominations for the United States Senate Youth Program

Jackson, MS - The Mississippi Department of Education is accepting nominations for the 48th Annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). Two Mississippi high school student government leaders will each receive a $5,000 one-time scholarship and a week-long trip to Washington, D.C. as guests of the United States Senate. The USSYP is underwritten entirely by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation.

The USSYP is open to eligible high school juniors and seniors in Mississippi public and private secondary schools. An eligible student must be currently serving in an elected or appointed office in student government, civic or educational organization. Scholarships are awarded to encourage outstanding young men and young women to continue their educational development. The selection criteria is designed to ensure that all eligible students receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, age, economic background, educational expenses or financial need. The Hearst Foundation believes it is in the public interest to encourage outstanding young people to continue their educational development.

Nomination forms for the USSYP are available through local school district guidance counselors and the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), Scholastic Development at (601) 359-4305. Also, the nomination form and program information maybe downloaded from the MDE website at www.mde.k12.ms.us/scholarship/scholdev.html.

Nomination forms must be postmarked by October 2, 2009.