Wisconsin Opened Senate Scholar Program Applications
High school students across the state can now apply for the legislative immersion program.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Senator Sarah Keyeski and the Wisconsin State Senate have launched the application process for the annual Senate Scholar Program. This educational opportunity is open to high school juniors and seniors residing in any of the 33 state Senate districts.
Why it matters
The program offers students practical insight into state government operations and the legislative process. By participating, students gain hands-on experience in research, bill drafting, and constituent relations, providing a foundation for future civic engagement.
The state selects exactly 33 participants for the program, with one student chosen to represent each of the 33 Wisconsin Senate districts. All applications are due by November 6, 2026.
The players
Senator Sarah Keyeski
A Wisconsin State Senator who represents District 14 and is leading the launch of the current Senate Scholar Program cycle.
Dr. Tammy Wehrle
The program administrator who can be contacted at 608-261-0533 for questions regarding the application process.
The details
Participants engage in a structured curriculum that includes classroom instruction, mock legislative committee hearings, and active floor staffing roles. During their time in Madison, students stay at the Concourse Hotel while gaining professional experience in constituent relations and the legislative process.
Timeline
November 6, 2026: Deadline to submit program applications
The Home Front
The Wisconsin Senate Scholar Program serves as a formal state-sponsored benchmark for high school civic education. Its structure follows a long-standing tradition of legislative immersion designed to bolster student involvement in the state's governing institutions.
Interested students should obtain and complete the Request for Sponsorship form to submit to their respective state senator. Families should plan ahead for the logistics of the program, which requires students to reside at the Concourse Hotel in Madison during the session.
The takeaway
This program provides a rare, hands-on look at state governance for high school students. Families should calendar the November 6, 2026, deadline and reach out to their local state senator early to ensure the sponsorship form is completed on time.
Further reading
Find more opportunities for academic enrichment on our Secondary Education page.
More information
Review the full requirements and download the Senate Scholar Program application materials.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WRCO - Richland Center.
Live Poll
Should local high school students participate in hands-on state government legislative simulation programs?
