United States Senate Youth Program

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) administers the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) for the State of Oregon. The U.S. Senate Youth Program is an annual scholarship competition funded by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation and endorsed by the U.S. Senate. Each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity select two high school juniors or seniors to participate in the program.

All high school juniors and seniors must be nominated by their high school principal or designated school official in order to apply for the program.  Nominated students must be active in elected or appointed leadership positions that relate to government, public affairs, education and/or community service.

This year, the delegates will each receive a $10,000 college scholarship and attend an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., on March 7-14, 2026.