Interested in going into government and politics in the future? Want to meet significant figures in Michigan government, such as Ketanji Brown Jackson, Elissa Slotkin and Rachel Scott? Senate Youth may be perfect for you.
Senate Youth is a weeklong program for students interested in pursuing public policy. The program flies participants to Washington, D.C., and creates special excursions for attendees, including visits to the National Mall, a NASA facility, Mount Vernon and Supreme Court sessions.
Groves senior Charlisa Penzak was one of two students selected to represent Michigan at the national convention and is eager to share her journey and encourage others to apply.
“I think it’s a little gatekept in Michigan — not on purpose or anything — but I don’t think it’s as well known as it could be,” Penzak said.
She went on to describe the conference as a “life-changing experience.”
When asked about the initial application process, Penzak said it was “rigorous” but worth the effort. It included an initial application phase consisting of community service hours, awards, extracurricular activities and a few short supplemental responses, followed by an impromptu essay and an interview.
Once selected, participants are treated exceptionally well throughout the program.
“The whole time, they spoiled us with three-course meals and military chaperones in the streets,” Penzak said.
In addition to the all-expenses-paid trip and meals, the program grants each participant a $10,000 scholarship to put toward a college education.
This year, however, the program offered something extra.
“They increased the scholarship from $10,000 to $12,500, which I thought was really kind. They did that in part to defray the increasing cost of college,” Penzak said.
When asked about the best part of the trip, Penzak spoke about the connections she made with accomplished students from across the country.
“Everybody was really humble and approachable, and I’d say my favorite part of the program was definitely meeting the other students and being able to talk with them.”
A career in public policy is all about networking, and what better way is there to meet future politicians from across the United States while still in high school? While attending the program, Penzak was even able to give a speech introducing the Thai ambassador, followed by an evening spent talking over dinner.
The program aims to help selected students succeed and places them in positions to do so in the future.
Remember, it’s never too early to start networking, so why not start now? Juniors and seniors are eligible to apply beginning in September.
“It’s been the highlight of my year so far. Truly, being able to meet so many amazing people, learn so many amazing things and hear from top leaders in our country gave me access to opportunities that I wouldn’t otherwise have had. So absolutely, I’d recommend applying. It was something I wish I knew about,” Penzak said.
