Senate Programs

The Senate Programs office plans, organizes, and implements various programs on behalf of Senators over the course of the year. These programs include the Youth Leadership Recognition Award Program, the Thanksgiving Creative Celebration Program, the Earth Day Program, the School Graduation Certificate Program, and the Summer Reading Program. When Senators sign up to participate in these programs, this office conducts outreach to schools on the Senators’ behalf and works to promote the Senators to their constituent schools and students.

For more information about the Senate Programs office, please contact 518-455-2558. or email NYSenateServices@NYSenate.gov.

Get Involved:

Teachers and librarians are encouraged to promote the program in their communities. You can request free promotional by filling out the Program Order Forms, mailing NYSenateServices@nysenate.gov or calling 518-455-2558.

Programs Offered

Youth Leadership Recognition Award Program

Opening in January, The Youth Leadership Recognition Award Program provides Senators with the opportunity to honor well-rounded sophomore, junior, and senior students who excel academically, and through extracurricular and volunteer activities. Students must be nominated by an educator or school administrator. Student awardees will receive a congratulatory personalized certificate from their Senator.

Order Program Materials

Educator Recognition Award

To celebrate May Teacher Appreciation Week, this program opens in March, and designed to acknowledge and celebrate the exceptional efforts of educators. Those who demonstrate commitment to student success, employ innovative teaching methods, and show leadership within their educational communities. Each school can nominate one educator who will be awarded a certificate from their senator.

Order Program Materials

School Graduation Certificate Program

Earth Day Program

The Earth Day Program, which opens in April, educates students about the importance of recycling and waste reduction and encourages students to develop an awareness of the environment and its resources. Students are provided with the opportunity to submit an original poem, one-page essay, or artwork that connects to the current program theme. All submissions will be published on the Senators’ individual websites and participating students will receive a certificate from their Senator. Participants will receive a certificate from their senator.

Order Program Materials

Summer Reading Program

Opening in May, The Summer Reading Program encourages students to stay engaged, curious, and connected to learning during the school break. By reading regularly over the summer, children and teens can maintain—and even improve—their literacy skills, helping to prevent the "summer slide." This program fosters a love of reading, builds critical thinking, and supports lifelong learning. All submissions will be published on the Senators' individual websites and participating students will receive a certificate from their Senator.

Order Program Materials

Thanksgiving Day Celebration Program

The Thanksgiving Day Celebration Program, which opens in October, celebrates and honors the Thanksgiving holiday. Provides students with the opportunity to submit an original poem, short essay, or artwork that connects to the current program theme. All submissions will be published on the Senators’ individual websites and participating students will receive a certificate from their Senator.

Programs Offered

Women of Distinction

New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame