Each year, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation sponsors two high school juniors or seniors from each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia to attend the United States Senate Youth Program – an all-expense paid, weeklong tour of Washington, DC, and to receive a $10,000 scholarship.
In Washington state, the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP) administers the program. Through the AWSL, AWSP sponsors the seven-week-long High School Summer Leadership Camps for student body officers, class officers, and other student leaders. A selection process is identified and implemented at each camp session, with two students being selected as finalists for the Senate Youth Program scholarships from each camp.
2025-2026 Winners
Arya Kashyap
Interlake High School
Bellevue School District
Arya Kashyap, a senior at Interlake High School, serves as the Associated Student Body Co-President. He is an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America and has led his troop as the Senior Patrol Leader. He serves on the secretariat and staff teams of Model United Nations Northwest (MUNNW) conferences, including as the Secretary-General of Educational Model UN. He is part of his school’s LINK Crew, works with the Bellevue Youth City Council, and was a Yale Young Global Scholar. Arya has earned his International Baccalaureate Diploma, is an AP Scholar with Distinction, and is a National Merit Semifinalist who speaks four languages. He previously served as a page in the Washington State Legislature and currently interns with a local legislator and a City Council member. Arya plans to study political science and economics and pursue a career in public service.
Selayna Rudolph
Silas High School
Tacoma Public Schools
Selayna Rudolph, a senior at Silas High School, serves as the Associated Student Body President. She is the secretary of the Tacoma Public Schools All City Senate, the president of the Silas High School drama program, and is chair of Silas High School’s Community Service Committee. She participated in community theater and performs community service for the Fircrest Parks and Recreation Department, with over 100 volunteer hours. She has been the lead anchor for Silas’ Ram TV News Broadcast for four years and plans to study journalism in college. Selayna is passionate about the power of the press and intends to pursue a career in media as a field journalist.
Scholarship Process
Visit the AWSL website to learn more about the application process, selection criteria, eligibility, and more.
Learn More About the USSY Program
Read the press release to learn more about the history of the program, alternate winners, and more.
The Washington State Principals’ Scholars Program
This recognition award is given to the top 5% of the senior class of each high school. Principals can download the Award for Academic Excellence certificate below.
