The Social Studies Specialist for the Maine Department of Education facilitates two national programs on behalf of Maine students and educators:
The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), established in 1962 by U.S. Senate Resolution, is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students. Each year, two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity spend a week in Washington, D.C., experiencing their national government in action.
Student delegates hear major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, and officials from federal agencies, and participate in a meeting with a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Each delegate is awarded a $10,000 college scholarship. All transportation, hotel, and meal expenses are provided by the Hearst Foundations.
Maine USSYP Webpage
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, Preserve America, and the History Channel annually recognize outstanding American history teachers at the state and national levels. Nominees may be any full-time educator of grades K–12 who teaches American history as a separate subject or through social studies, reading, language arts, or other subjects.
- State winners receive a $1,000 prize and an archive of classroom resources.
- One national winner receives a $10,000 prize.