United States Senate Youth Program

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.

United States Senate Youth Program. Education. Leadership. Public 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 6-13, 2021. Two Oregon alternates and up to two finalists will receive a $200 cash award.

Due to the many uncertainties posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, The Hearst Foundations' planning for Washington Week 2021 is currently on hold and applications nationwide are NOT being accepted at this time. Please check for updates here that we will post as soon as we have heard from the USSYP with additional information. Thank you!