After a testing and interview process, two high school students are selected from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense's overseas educational activities.

In 1962, senators Everett Dirksen, Hubert Humphrey, Tom Kuchel, and Mike Mansfield introduced S.R.

Student delegates are usually selected by their State Department of Education through rigorous application processes.

Selected student delegates receive a week-long trip to Washington, D.C. Each year, this trip, which is referred to as "Washington Week," provides an intensive study of government for the 104 students in each year's national delegation.

At the conclusion of Washington Week, student delegates in attendance receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship.