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Cherry Blossom Program
The Cherry Blossom Program is a week-long educational and cultural exchange initiative that brings together exceptional young women from across the United States and around the world. Since its founding in 1948, the program has been supported by state and territorial societies, as well as the international embassy community.
Each year, young women between the ages of 21 and 26 are selected as Cherry Blossom Delegates based on their academic achievement, leadership potential, communication skills, poise, dedication to community service, and interest in civic and global affairs. These delegates proudly represent their state, territory, or country while supporting the mission and values of the National Conference of State Societies (NCSS).
Program Pillars
A Legacy of Leadership
More than 3,000 women have taken part in the Cherry Blossom Program since 1948—including daughters of U.S. presidents, senators, and members of Congress. Many alumnae have gone on to serve in elected office, the military, nonprofits, and public service.
Notable alumnae include:
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Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (West Virginia)
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U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (Alaska)
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Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (Michigan)
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Captain Shannon Vinson, U.S. Air Force
These leaders are part of Pi Alpha Kappa, the Cherry Blossom Alumnae Society.
The "Washington Classroom"
At the core of the program is the “Washington Classroom” a one-of-a-kind opportunity to meet with national and global leaders in government, military, business, culture, and diplomacy.
Past participants have had the chance to engage with:
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First Lady Laura Bush
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Speaker Nancy Pelosi
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Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
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Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton
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Justice Sandra Day O’Connor
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Brigadier General Wilma Vaught
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Naval Commander Yvette Brownwhaller
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Red Cross CEO Dr. Bernadine Healy, among others
A Crown and a
Global Connection
Every year since 1948, the United States Cherry Blossom Queen is chosen by the Japanese Ambassador to the U.S. through a traditional spin of the Wheel of Fortune at the Official Cherry Blossom Grand Ball in Washington, D.C.
The following morning, the newly crowned U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen joins her Japan counterpart, along with all State, Territory, and International Princesses, to participate in the National Cherry Blossom Parade and the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival.
Since 1973, the NCSS-sponsored U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen has received an official invitation from the Japan Sakura Foundation for a goodwill trip to Japan, strengthening international ties and deepening the program’s cultural mission.
