SDSCA is excited to announce a professional development opportunity for counselors.  The 6th annual Counselor Connections workshop will be held on the South Dakota State University campus November 7-8, 2014.  Below are the tentative agenda and registration form.  By attending you have an opportunity to earn up to 9 CEU hours.  If you have any questions please contact Danielle.Schonebaum@k12.sd.us.  

The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is an amazing opportunity for motivated student leaders to have direct contact with the highest-level elected and appointed officials in the nation who meet with them during a week-long intensive educational program in Washington, D.C. Students will meet with the President, a Justice of the Supreme Court, U.S. Senators, Cabinet Secretaries and many other leaders. Sponsored by the Senate, the USSYP mission is to encourage the best and brightest students in America’s high schools to pursue careers in public service.

Begun in 1962, the USSYP provides for all expenses, including travel and accommodations, as well as a $5,000 undergraduate college scholarship for each student.  Two students from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity will be selected, according to the criteria outlined in the official brochure attached. 

State Departments of Education nationwide select the students and deadlines for applications are generally September - October but vary by state.  Principals, teachers and guidance counselors are encouraged to nominate high school juniors and seniors serving in an elected or appointed position in the 2014–2015 academic year with a strong interest in government and history. State selection contacts, deadlines and comprehensive information can be found at:  www.ussenateyouth.org.