New Rochelle Senior Chosen for Senate Youth Program

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — New Rochelle High School senior Kimberly Collins is one of two students in New York State chosen for the highly competitive United States Senate Youth Program. Nationwide, 104 high-achieving students are picked for the program that offers a weeklong visit to experience the federal government in Washington, DC and gives each student a $10,000 scholarship.

“I feel absolutely honored,” Collins said. “I’ve been given a great opportunity that many other students my age do not have. Being able to go to Washington and to experience the entire process inspires me to continue to pursue being part of public policy, and to be a better American citizen.”

The program seeks students who are interested in careers in public service, according to a district spokesman. Two students are chosen from each state, plus two each from the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education system overseas. Honorees must hold elected office in their student bodies or other state or community organizations.

Collins, 17, is the vice president of her class, and serves as president of the Christian Club and co-president of the Black Culture Club. She is interested in politics and social justice and plans to study economics in a quest for solutions to racial and economic disparities in society.

“It’s a huge honor for both her and for New Rochelle High School to be chosen and it’s a reflection of the amazing talent that Kimberly has,” said Deborah Minchin, Collins’ AP government teacher, who recommended her for the program. “Kimberly has this ability to see a need and jump in and fill it. She’s just an amazing young woman.”

As part of the process, Collins wrote a paper supporting a bill in Congress to stop federal funding for Confederate memorials. She also traveled to Albany to be interviewed by six representatives of the New York State Education Department on national and international topics, including the Paris climate accord and the Black Lives Matter movement.

On the Washington visit, from March 3 to 10, Collins and the other honorees are scheduled to meet with senators, President Donald Trump, a justice of the Supreme Court, cabinet members and others.

“This is a great achievement and an incredible opportunity for Kimberly,” said New Rochelle Superintendent Brian Osborne. “We are immensely proud of what she has accomplished. Her selection is a testament to her caliber as a student and as a person, and is a great example of the top-notch education students receive in the New Rochelle schools.”

“Kimberly is a stellar student and a phenomenally compassionate human being,” said NRHS Principal Reginald Richardson. “She is a passionate advocate for issues of equity and social justice and I am incredibly proud to have her represent New Rochelle High School in Washington D.C.”

Founded in 1962 with a Senate resolution, the program is sponsored by the U.S. Senate and funded by The Hearst Foundations.

Photo caption: New Rochelle High School senior Kimberly Collins. Photo credit: City School District of New Rochelle.