The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) announces that two Hoosier high school students, Ms. Shivani Ankit Desai and Ms. Ishita Masetty, will join Senator Todd Young and Senator Jim Banks in representing Indiana during the 64th annual USSYP Washington Week, to be held March 7 to 14.
Shivani Desai of Carmel and Ishita Masetty of Granger were selected from among the state’s top student leaders. They will join the delegation of 104 outstanding high school students – two from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity – for 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 delegate will also receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs.
Desai, a senior at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, serves as a Student Council Representative, a National Merit Semifinalist, and a Rising Star of Indiana.
This past summer, she attended the American Legion Auxiliary’s Hoosier Girls State, where she was elected Senator and Federalist Party Vice Chair. She is also Co-Captain of the Speech and Debate Team, mentoring novice members and competing in Public Forum Debate, where she placed third at the state competition. She serves as Editor-in-Chief of her school newspaper, writing opinion pieces on local and federal politics and current events.
Beyond journalism and debate, Desai is the founding President of the Pre-Law Club, a student-run club that is dedicated to the preprofessional development of high school students interested in law and public service. She is the President of the Learn Like Me Club, which brings volunteer tutors into local elementary schools.
Desai works as a researcher on the Advocacy and Policy Subcommittee of the Indiana Youth Advisory Board within the Indiana Department of Health. In this role, she focuses on policy development, youth advocacy, and advancing public health initiatives, particularly those affecting schools.
After attending a liberal arts university and studying political science and economics, Shivani plans to obtain an advanced degree in public policy and pursue a career that promotes equity while improving the quality of life for all individuals.
Chosen as alternates to the 2026 program were Mr. Shawn Shi Feng, a resident of Carmel who attends Carmel High School, and Mr. Kris Nok Hang Lau, a resident of Newburgh who attends Signature School. This year’s Indiana delegates and alternates were designated by Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education.
Learn more about the United States Senate Youth Program at ussenateyouth.org.
