This is the banner for EMSC and CIIT. It reads New York State Education Department, Elementary, Middle, Secondary, and Continuing Education. Curriculum, Instruction and Instructional Technology, CI&IT. Anne Schiano, Assistant Director

                                                                                                                                            August 2008

TO:                 District Superintendents; Superintendents of Public and Nonpublic Schools; Principals of Public High Schools; Principals of Nonpublic Secondary Schools; Social Studies Chairpersons and Supervisors; Directors of Pupil Personnel Services

FROM:            Anne Schiano

SUBJECT:      United States Senate Youth Program for 2008 - 2009

Each year the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, in cooperation with the United States Senate and the education departments of all the states, sponsors the United States Senate Youth Program.  Two student leaders from each state and the District of Columbia are selected to participate in a week-long government leadership program, in Washington, D. C. (all expenses paid).  The students engage in a series of seminars and briefings with Senators and members of the House of Representatives and meet with officials of the executive and judicial branches of government. Each student delegate will also receive a one-time $5,000 college scholarship provided that two full courses in United States, government, history, and/or political science are taken by the student at an accredited institution during the student’s future college or university career.

The principal of a New York State high school may select only one candidate for this statewide competition.  Any high school junior or senior is eligible.  Districts with more than one high school can nominate a candidate from each high school.  The nominee must currently (2008– 2009) be serving in an elected capacity in any one of the following student government offices:

  • Student body president, vice-president, secretary or treasurer
  • Class president, vice-president, secretary or treasure
  • Student council representative

A student who is a representative to a district, regional or state-level civic or education organization may also be nominated.

Students must submit:

  • A signed application form.
  • Student transcript/standardized test data.
  • A 600-800 word student essay on a significant issue or problem before the United States Congress. The student must (1) identify and describe the issue or problem; (2) state major points of view on the matter expressed by members of the Congress and others; and (3) take a position on the issue or problem. The position should be supported by specific evidence and reasoning. References must be cited. Students applying for a second time may not use an essay submitted previously.
  • A student statement of leadership activities on a separate sheet of paper that describes activities and interests which demonstrate the student’s leadership qualities and activities at school and/or in the community. Activities that demonstrate the student’s interest in the political process of governance should be emphasized.
  • A letter of recommendation from the high school principal and/or designee.
  • The student application form must be postmarked on or before October 10, 2008.

Special Notes:

  • If any of the above is missing from the final application packet, the application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. 
  • If a high school submits more than one nomination, neither nomination will be considered.
  • Time constraints will not allow for return of applications for correction or completion.
  • In the event that an applicant becomes a semifinalist, the student must come to Albany for a personal interview on Monday, November 10, 2008.
  • Partial reimbursement for travel expenses will be available.

IMPORTANT 2008 – 2009 New York State Senate Youth dates are:

  • August 1, 2008 - NYSED posts United States Senate Youth announcement and application form
  • Friday, October 10, 2008 - Applications to NYSED
  • Wednesday, October 29, 2008 - Review Committee selects semi-finalists
  • Monday, November 10, 2008 - Interviews to select 2 delegates and 2 alternates
  • March 7-14, 2009 - United States Senate Youth Washington Week Experience

Send applications to:

Jo Ann Larson

New York State Education Department

United States Senate Youth Program

Room 320 EB

Albany, New York 12234

New York State’s United States Senate Youth 2008 delegates were Emily Cusick of Shenendehowa High School, Clifton Park, NY and Julie Raisch of Northport High School, Northport, NY.

 


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THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT / THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK / ALBANY, NY 12234

OFFICE OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT
Curriculum, Instruction and Instructional Technology Team
Room 320 EB
Albany, NY  12234
Tel. (518) 474-5922, Fax (518) 473-4884
www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai

2008 -2009 NEW YORK STATE

UNITED STATES SENATE YOUTH APPLICATION FORM

PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE

Student’s Name: ___________________________________________

Home Address: ____________________________________________

City/State/Zip Code: _______________________________________

E-mail Address: ____________________________________________

Home Phone: ____  ________________      Date of Birth: _________

Current Grade:    11    or    12

Is student a permanent resident of the United States? _____ Yes  _____ No

Name of High School: _______________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________

City/State/Zip Code: _______________________________________          

Phone: ____  _____________

Name(s) of Parent(s): ______________________________________________________________

E-mail Address(es): _______________________________________________________________

Business Phone: ____  _____________           

Home Phone:  ____  _____________

Business Phone: ____  _____________              

Home Phone:  ____  _____________

 

Elective Offices held during junior or senior school year (describe, including dates of term. Attach additional sheets, if necessary.)

Student’s Background: Extra-curricular activities, hobbies (Attach additional sheets, if necessary.)

Future Plans or Ambitions (Attach additional sheets, if necessary.)

THE STUDENT DESIGNATED ABOVE IS THE HIGH SCHOOL’S SOLE NOMINEE.

Name of Principal or Designee (Please Print): _________________________________________

Principal or Designee E-mail: _______________________________________________________

Principal or Designee Signature: ____________________________________________________

Title: _________________________________      

Date: _________________________________

     

    All applications should include:(Please submit completed application packet in this order)

     

    Application Form

     

    School Transcript

     

    Student Essay (600-800 words)

     

    Student Leadership Statement

     

    Letter of Recommendation