Seniors earn U.S. Senate Youth Program scholarships
Congratulations to Binyam Dunne '26 and Saawan Duvvuri '26 for earning seats in the U.S. Senate Youth Program and a $10K scholarship each to pursue undergraduate coursework in history and political science. They are the only students who will represent Tennessee when they travel to Washington, D.C. to meet elected officials in March 2026.
The Hearst Foundations has selected University School of Nashville students Binyam Dunne '26 and Saawan Duvvuri '26 as the two high school students to represent the state of Tennessee as delegates during the U.S. Senate Youth Program in March.
Established in 1962 by U.S. Senate Resolution, is an educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service. The 64th annual United States Senate Youth Program Washington Week will be March 7-14, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity will spend a week in Washington experiencing their national government in action.
"When I received the phone call notifying me that I was selected as a Delegate, I had to first thank the people who have done the most for me throughout my life — my parents. I am so, so grateful for them. What I've learned throughout my life is that there's something special about a community that celebrates the accomplishments of others like their own," Binyam said. "I have always known that USN is a wonderful place to attend school, but feeling the overwhelming support from this community has made USN truly feel like home. I am so excited to have the opportunity to represent my home on a national stage, and I cannot wait to connect with likeminded peers and our nation's leaders to further develop my passion for public service."
Student delegates will hear major policy addresses by Senators, Cabinet Members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies, as well as usually participate in meetings with the President and a Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition to The Hearst Foundations covering Binyam's and Saawan's transportation, hotel and meal expenses, each delegate will also be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate studies, with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science.
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Established in 1962 by U.S. Senate Resolution, is an educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service. The 64th annual United States Senate Youth Program Washington Week will be March 7-14, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity will spend a week in Washington experiencing their national government in action.
"When I received the phone call notifying me that I was selected as a Delegate, I had to first thank the people who have done the most for me throughout my life — my parents. I am so, so grateful for them. What I've learned throughout my life is that there's something special about a community that celebrates the accomplishments of others like their own," Binyam said. "I have always known that USN is a wonderful place to attend school, but feeling the overwhelming support from this community has made USN truly feel like home. I am so excited to have the opportunity to represent my home on a national stage, and I cannot wait to connect with likeminded peers and our nation's leaders to further develop my passion for public service."
Student delegates will hear major policy addresses by Senators, Cabinet Members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies, as well as usually participate in meetings with the President and a Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition to The Hearst Foundations covering Binyam's and Saawan's transportation, hotel and meal expenses, each delegate will also be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate studies, with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science.
Saawan added, "I am honored to represent Tennessee in the 64th annual United States Senate Youth Program. As a student deeply committed to education equity, youth civic engagement, and racial justice, I’m excited to learn directly from national leaders — including the Vice President, Cabinet officials, and members of Congress — about how federal policy is shaped and implemented. I look forward to bringing these insights back to my work in Nashville, whether through my various leadership positions at USN, my research at Harvard and Vanderbilt, or through my executive roles with the Tennessee Student Equity Leadership Board, Representative Bob Freeman’s Youth Advisory Council, the Education Trust of Tennessee’s EmpowerEd Youth Commission, and LiteratureDiversified. I am incredibly grateful to the Department of Education staff who interviewed and selected me, as well as to my parents, teachers, and faculty who supported me throughout the USSYP process— especially Mr. Aaron Fulk, who generously provided feedback on my essays during an especially busy period. Most of all, I am grateful for the chance to deepen my work in political advocacy and to continue growing into a socially conscious leader who serves Tennessee’s students with purpose, integrity, and equity."
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2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
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University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.