About the 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, delegates will receive a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate studies with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science. Delegates will also attend an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. March 7-14, 2020. Two alternates will receive a $200 cash award.
Application and Process Requirements
Please review the Application and Process Requirements resource for specific information on content and formatting for application materials.
- Student Application (closed October 11, 2019)
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Essay responding to one of five essay topics
- Recommendation letter
- Process statement from the school
2019 Oregon Delegates Kudzai Kapurura (left) and Justin Thach (right) with Senator Jeff Merkley in Washington DC.
Justin Thach: Delegate Thach Response
Kudzai Kapurura: Delegate Kapurura Response
Contact Jenni Knaus with any questions.