Governor Lamont, Commissioner Russell-Tucker Congratulate Two Connecticut Students Selected for the U.S. Senate Youth Program

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker are congratulating two Connecticut high school students on their selection to the prestigious United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), a national initiative that brings exceptional student leaders to Washington, D.C., for an intensive study of the federal government. Each delegate also receives a $10,000 undergraduate scholarship funded by The Hearst Foundations.

Created in 1962 through Senate Resolution 324, USSYP is a highly competitive, merit-based program that selects two students from each state to engage directly with federal officials and deepen their understanding of democratic leadership and public service.

Connecticut's 2025 student delegates include:

• Rania Das, a senior at Hopkins School in New Haven. Das serves in several statewide youth leadership and policy roles, including work with Connecticut's Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee. She also contributes to research and advocacy efforts through DataHaven and the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. She plans to pursue policy and youth advocacy in college.
• Esther Nabisere, a senior at Greenwich High School. Nabisere has led international community service efforts, supported congressional constituent outreach, and contributed to research at the Permanent Mission of Uganda to the United Nations. She is active in civic engagement through the League of Women Voters of Greenwich and plans to continue her studies in public service and constitutional law.

"Congratulations to Rania and Esther on their selection to the United States Senate Youth Program, a distinguished national honor recognizing exceptional young leaders," Governor Lamont said. "Their commitment to public service and their dedication to strengthening their communities reflect the very best of Connecticut, and I look forward to the contributions they will make as they help shape the future of our state."

"Rania's and Esther's selection to the United States Senate Youth Program reflects their exceptional leadership and deep commitment to civic engagement," Commissioner Russell-Tucker said. "Their work elevating youth perspectives, contributing to policy discussions, and serving their communities demonstrates the meaningful impact that students can make when given opportunities to lead. We are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to all they will continue to contribute as they pursue their academic and leadership journeys."

Originally proposed by Senators Thomas H. Kuchel, Mike Mansfield, Everett McKinley Dirksen, and Hubert H. Humphrey, the Senate leadership of the day, the program was established to increase young Americans' understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government, to illuminate the responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and to emphasize the vital importance of democratic decision-making not only for the United States but for people around the world.