MADISON — Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) announced that the Wisconsin State Senate is now accepting applications for the 2026 Senate Scholar Program.

The Senate Scholar Program is an elite educational program for exceptional high school juniors and seniors across the state. The selection process is competitive, with 33 students, one from each Senate District, chosen to participate in a week-long program at the State Capitol.

Interested students must complete an application by Nov. 7 to be considered. Applications and instructions are available at www.senatescholar.com.

“Many students from the 17th Senate District have participated in the Senate Scholar Program throughout the years,” Marklein said. “I strongly believe that this program enhances their understanding of civics and government by providing a hands-on, up-close view that cannot be learned in a classroom or by reading a book. I encourage all students who have an interest in government or politics to apply.”

The Senate Scholar Program includes classroom instruction, roundtable discussion, and a lab component. Experts teach Scholars about constituent relations, research, bill drafting, and development of legislation. The Scholars meet with legislative support agency directors and staff, media, and lobbyists throughout the week. Scholars will also have the experience of drafting their own bills and amendments for a mock legislative committee hearing.