Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif. -- Commissioned officers in the Marine Corps have an opportunity to leave a lasting impression on teenage students with ambitions of becoming the next generation of America’s leaders.
The annual United States Senate Youth Program, sponsored by the United States Senate, provides 104 high school students from across the country with a chance to visit the nation’s capital and learn about the functions of the U.S. government from March 9 to 16.
“Washington Week is an intensive week of unparalleled educational activities in the nation’s capital designed to deepen the student delegates’ understanding of the federal government and give them direct access to those who lead it,” said Hattie Powell-Ray, public affairs specialist, Community Relations Branch, Division of Public Affairs.
Seventeen military officers will act as the mentors to the participants, leading them in the week-long program, teaching them about the role of the military in the government and connect with students, who may have no prior experience with the military.
The Marines will lead students throughout Washington, D.C. and meet members of the government including a Supreme Court justice, senators, cabinet members, federal agency leaders and the President of the United States.
The Marine Corps will nominate eight officers, ranking from 1st lieutenant to lieutenant colonel, to lead in the program. The officers will act as counselors, facilitators and representatives of the Marine Corps.
“Marines, by virtue of their leadership skills, maturity, role model attributions, professionalism and dedication, makes them great candidates to the future young leaders of this great nation,” Powell-Ray said.
The William Randolph Hearst Foundation, funding the program, will provide lodging, meals and incidental expenses during the days of the program, however air-fare is at the participants’ expense.
Officers selected for the program are also required to attend a three-day orientation, prior to the commencement of the program and must arrange their own lodging and meals for orientation days.
Any officers wishing to apply to become an officer mentor are encouraged to submit an application package electronically to hattie.powell-ray@usmc.mil. Details about the information required for the package can be found on Marine Administrative Message 652/12.
For more information about the program, refer to the MarAdmin or go to www.ussenateyouth.org.