The Texas Education Agency announced that applications for high school juniors and seniors in Texas to apply for the 2024 United States Senate Youth Program will be closing at the end of this week. According to the announcement, "There's one week left" for interested students to submit their applications.

The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is an annual opportunity for high schoolers interested in politics to travel to Washington D.C. and learn directly from senators, cabinet members, and officials from various departments. This program, established in 1962, aims to invest in the experience and education of potential future leaders in the country. Each year, two student leaders from every state are chosen to participate in the program, with their travel costs covered by the Hearst Foundation. In addition, they receive a $10,000 scholarship for their college careers.

To qualify for the USSYP, students must be juniors or seniors in Texas and demonstrate their involvement in elected positions related to student government, education, public affairs, or community service. State-level education officials select the two delegates from each state, with alternate delegates also chosen in case the original candidates are unable to accept the spot.

The Texas Education Agency, based in Austin, is responsible for organizing and overseeing programs to enhance public education in the state. They also distribute state and federal funding to schools and ensure compliance with guidelines.

Interested students can find more information about the USSYP from their school's guidance counselor or on the United States Senate's Youth Program website. However, they must act quickly as the application deadline is approaching at the end of this week.