Selected students spend week in Madison
State Sen. Luther Olsen, R-Ripon, encourages local high school students to apply for the 2017 Senate Scholar Program.
“The Senate Scholar Program is an extraordinary program that gives select high school students the chance to learn about state government and the legislature,” Olsen said.
The Senate Scholar Program is held annually and is open to 33 high-achieving students around the state, ages 16-18 who are juniors or seniors.
Applications for the program are due on Jan. 16, 2017. Applicants will be notified about their participation in the program by Feb. 3, 2017.
Those selected will spend a week in Madison from March 5-10, March 26-31 or April 2-7.
Through the Senate Scholar Program’s curriculum, students learn first-hand how the legislature works and the different people and professions that contribute to the law-making process.
They attend committee hearings and floor debates in the Senate.
“This gives them access to the Senate floor to witness legislative debate up close, watch Senators confer and get a true sense of how the legislative process works,” Olsen said.
Senate Scholars also meet with legislative staff, the media, lobbyists, a Supreme Court justice and a member of the governor’s staff.
As part of the application material, applicants must obtain a letter of sponsorship from their state senator.
“If you are interested in the Senate Scholar Program, please contact my office as soon as possible for your sponsorship letter,” Olsen said.
For a copy of the application and for more information, visit www.senatescholar.com.