ICE public affairs officer completes prestigious mentorship with 54th US Senate Youth Program

Alvin Phillips better known to his fellow workers as “AP” is currently the ICE Newark public affairs officer and a major with the New York National Guard. In his military capacity, Maj. Phillips was selected in December 2015 to be one of 16 military mentors representing the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security’s tradition to volunteer for the Hearst Foundation sponsored program.

The United States Senate Youth Program, established in 1962 by U.S. Senate resolution, is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service. The 54th annual program was held in Washington, D.C., from March 5 – 12. Two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity spent a week in Washington experiencing their government in action. Student delegates met with and heard major policy addresses from the President, U.S. senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies. Students also participated in a meeting with a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses were provided by The Hearst Foundations. In addition, each delegate also was awarded a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate studies, with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science.

The process of selection to be a military mentor in this program was no easy feat. It required a lot of hard work and several stressful interviews to be selected. However, Maj. Phillips was up for the challenge and certainly welcomed the experience.