March 4, 2026:
Pierre T.F. Riggs High School senior Chloe Bowers is one of two students that will represent South Dakota at the United States Senate Youth Program’s Washington Week, which begins Saturday (March 7-14, 2026) in Washington, DC.
According to the South Dakota Department of Education, Bowers and Hayley Cunningham of Rapid City were selected from among the state’s top student leaders.
During the 64th annual program, the duo will be part of a group of 104 students participating in a week-long study of the federal government and the key figures that lead it. The students will have the opportunity to meet with South Dakota U.S. Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds, other Senators, the President, a Supreme Court Justice, and other high-level officials.
With encouragement to continue postsecondary study in government, history, and public affairs, the selected students for this program also receive a $10,000 scholarship.
State Education Secretary Joseph Graves said Bowers and Cunningham have demonstrated not only strong leadership skills, but also remarkable dedication in public service. He said both students model how the department strives to enhance learning across the state through leadership and service.
Jan. 14, 2026:
Pierre T.F. Riggs High School senior Chloe Bowers is one of two students selected to represent the state of South Dakota at the United States Senate Youth Program.
Bowers will join South Dakota U.S. Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds during the program’s Washington Week in March (March 7-14, 2026) in Washington, DC.
Bowers and Rapid City Stevens senior Hayley Cunningham will be part of a group of 104 students that experience an intensive week-long study of the federal government and the people who lead it, meeting with Senators, the President, a Supreme Court Justice and other high-level officials. Each student also receives a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs.
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