Each year the NCSS Cherry Blossom Program offers cultural, educational, and professional development opportunities for young women leaders, ages 19 through 24, from across the United States and around the world.  It takes place each year during the National Cherry Blossom Festival© in Washington, DC and is proudly managed by the National Conference of State Societies.

Applications are closed for 2025, but will reopen in September for the 2026 program.

​Young women leaders are selected by a State/Territorial Society or International Embassy to be Cherry Blossom Delegates based on their leadership and academic achievements along with their interest in social, civic, community, and world affairs. 

As a Cherry Blossom Delegate you will represent your respective state, territory or country in both public and private events held each day across the Washington, DC area and engage with top government, business, arts, and media leaders.
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All candidates for the Cherry Blossom Program must meet the following minimum requirements. Additional requirements may also be added by State and Territory Societies – please contact them for further information (Links to all the State/Territory Societies can be found at https://www.statesocieties.org/state)

Citizenship/Residency – Must be a U.S. citizen and meet at least one of the following criteria (does not apply to international delegates):
  • Born in the U.S. State or Territory that she will represent;
  • ​Is an immediate family member (Daughter, Granddaughter, Sister or Niece) of a Native of the U.S. State or Territory she will represent; or
  • Currently is a resident of and/or has spent significant time (i.e. attending college/university) in the U.S. State or Territory she will represent.
Personal Qualifications:
  • Must be between 19 years old and 24 years old as of March 30, 2024. Candidates older than 24 years of age may request a waiver from their State or Territory Society with the approval of NCSS Executive Committee.  The minimum age requirement of 19 years old will not be waived – no exceptions.
  • Must be single, never been married and have no children.
  • Must be a high school graduate. 
  • Must never have performed any act or engaged in any activity or employment that is or could reasonably be characterized as immoral or indecent.
  • Must not use or consume any illegal controlled dangerous substances or abuse the use of alcohol or other dangerous substances. 
  • Must never have been convicted of any crime and does not have any criminal charges pending.
  • Must be in reasonably good health and able to participate fully in any program activities. 

Event Participation:
Each Participant must be in Washington, DC, by April 7th to attend Orientation at the Headquarters Hotel. You will receive a full and detailed Schedule of Events and the required dress for each event prior to the Festival.

​You should plan to be available for program activities until 4:00 pm on April 13th.   Most days are from 8:30am - 5pm, however there are a few evening events that will go until 9:00pm.  Participation is expected for the entire week.

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