Greenville student named as state delegates for US Senate Youth Program

WASHINGTON –Carrie Tian of Greenville have been selected as one of South Carolina’s delegates to attend the 49th Annual United States Senate Youth Program to be held March 5-12 in the nation’s capital.


Tian was chosen from across the state to join the group of 104 young people in the weeklong program, according to Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint. The purpose is “to increase young Americans’ understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government, the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and the vital importance of democratic decision making not only for America but for people around the world,” as stated in the Senate resolution creating the program in 1962.

Tian is student body secretary at Southside High School in Greenville. She also serves as Academic Team captain, president of Headstrong and plays violin in the Carolina Youth Symphony. She plans to study English or history in college.

While in Washington, student delegates attend meetings and briefings with Senate leadership, other senators and congressional staff; the President, a Justice of the Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies, an Ambassador to the United States and top members of the national media. They also tour national monuments, several museums and stay at the historic Mayflower hotel downtown.

In addition to the program week, The Hearst Foundations provide each of the 104 student delegates with a $5,000 undergraduate college scholarship to encourage coursework in government, history and public affairs. Transportation and all expenses for the program are also provided by The Hearst Foundations; no government funds are expended.