BISMARCK– State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler encourages North Dakota high school juniors and seniors to apply for the 2026 U.S. Senate Youth Program, which includes a $10,000 college scholarship. ADVERTISEMENTTwo high school juniors or seniors from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Department of Defense schools are chosen for the program each year. It includes the $10,000 scholarship and a “Washington Week” event, which will be held March 7-14, 2026. The U.S. Senate Youth Program application process consists of completing a web-based form ; writing a personal essay; submitting letters of support from others; and obtaining principal and parent signatures. The $10,000 scholarship is funded by the Hearst Foundations , which were originally established by media mogul William Randolph Hearst .