North Dakota high school juniors, seniors invited to apply for $10,000 nationwide scholarship

BISMARCK — High school juniors and seniors in North Dakota have a chance to earn a $10,000 scholarship from the

U.S. Senate Youth Program.

Every year, two students are selected from each state based on their leadership qualities in

an elected or appointed student office

with the “ability to serve others and represent constituents,” according to a Thursday, Sept. 5, release from the state Department of Public Instruction. Applications are ranked and scored by a state selection committee.

The scholarship also includes a “Washington Week” event in March 2025, during which recipients will travel to Washington D.C. to hear speakers from the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the federal government, in addition to from members of the national media.

Due on Sunday, Oct. 20, applications include the completion of an

online form,

writing two essays, gathering letters of recommendation and signatures from a guardian and school principal.

“North Dakota students who are interested in leadership and public service should take advantage of this opportunity,” Kirsten Baesler, State Superintendent, said in the release. “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.”

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