Class of 2027

The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students and an opportunity for motivated student leaders to have direct contact with the highest-level elected and appointed officials in the nation. The USSYP mission is to encourage the best and brightest students in America’s high schools to pursue careers in public service. Florida students have the opportunity to participate in this program.

The program was created and authorized in 1962 by Senate Resolution 234 and has been reauthorized ever since. The Hearst Foundations assumed financial support of the program and continues its sponsorship today. A portion of this support provides a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship given to each student selected to attend.

USSYP is open to rising juniors and seniors who are interested in a career in public service and who are currently serving in an elected or appointed leadership position(s) at their school and/or in their community.

The online application for the USSYP program is available and must be completed by 11:45pm September 29, 2026. The application can be found here: Florida DOE Civics Literacy: US Senate Youth Program . All required components of the application must be included in the application when it is submitted. The teacher and sponsor recommendations must also be submitted by September 29, 2026.

Watch this video on the BigFuture Scholarship opportunity (previously called CollegeBoard Opportunity Scholarship).

Learn more and get started at BigFuture Scholarships

BigFuture Student Flyer

Senior BigFuture Flyer ~ Senior BigFuture Flyer-Spanish

The Common Application is an undergraduate college admission application that applicants may use to apply to any of more than 900 member colleges and universities in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as in Canada, China, Japan, and many European countries. Visit the Common Appliciation website at Common App.

The Common Black College Application is an undergraduate college admission application that applicants may use to apply to any of the 65 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). The cost of the application is $20. Click the link to visit the Common Black College Application Website

How to Access College Application Fee Waivers

The Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS) allows students to self-report courses and grades to participating colleges and universities.

Accuracy is important, so please refer to an unofficial transcript or grade report (e.g., your online report card) while completing your STARS Record.

To create an account visit Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS)

The Talented Twenty Program is part of the Governor’s Equity in Education Plan. The purpose is to guarantee admission to one of the 12 state universities for students who succeed in their respective public high schools and to encourage students to strive for better grades and pursue rigorous academic courses. Please click on the link for additional information: Talented Twenty Program.