Application Process and Requirements for the State of Oregon

What is the United States Senate Youth Program?

The Oregon Department of Education 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 seniors or juniors to participate in the program. The delegates receive a $5,000 college scholarship and attend a one-week all expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. from March 5-12, 2016.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Students must be nominated by their high school principal or designated school official in order to be considered for the USSYP. Principals and designated school officials may nominate:

-One student for 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A schools; or

-Two students for 5A and 6A schools.

Nominated students must be a high school junior or senior currently serving in an elected or selected capacity in student government such as student body president, vice president, secretary or treasurer; student council representative; student representative elected or selected (selected by a panel, commission, or board) to a school, school district, civic or educational organization at regional, state or national level.

Additionally, nominated students must be a permanent resident of the United States and currently enrolled in an Oregon public or private secondary school. For additional information regarding the program rules, please review the USSYP brochure on the William Randolph Hearst Foundation website(

How does the principal select the school’s nominees?

Principals take sole responsibility for the selection of the student nominees. Some principals delegate that authority to principal, a head counselor, or other appropriate person. Others conduct a selection process including a small committee.

What are the responsibilities of a principal or designated school official?

The responsibilities of a principal or designated school are:

  1. To review the rules for student participation listed in the U.S. Senate Youth Brochure:

;

  1. Develop a process for selection of a nominee from the school;
  2. Publicize the process within the school;
  3. Through the selection process, determine the best candidate.

What are the required materials students must submit in the application packet?

  1. Application form – Student Profile that can be downloaded from the website.
  2. A resume, where leadership activities in the student government, politics, community, music, sport and other extracurricular activities must be indicated.
  3. A cover letter describing why you should be selected to participate in the U.S. Senate Youth Program.
  4. An essay of three pages or less responding to one of the five essaytopics.
  5. A statement of recommendation not exceeding one page. The letter may be written by anyone the student selects.
  6. A statement of the specific process used to determine the school’s nominee, as publicized within the school. This must be written on official school stationery.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

What is the postmark deadline for the application packet?

Completed application packets must be postmarked no later than Friday, October 23, 2015. Mailing envelopes postmarked on or after Saturday, October 24, 2015, will not be considered. Application packets received by fax or e-mail will not be considered.

How do I apply for the USSYP?

Studentsare responsible for submitting via mail the original documents of the application packet to the Oregon Department of Education to the attention of:

Felicia Bechtoldt

U.S. Senate Youth Program Coordinator

Oregon Department of Education

255 Capitol St NE, Salem, OR-97301

How are Oregon’s student delegates and alternates selected?

A selection committee will review the applications. The selection committee will invite four candidates for an interview at the Oregon Department of Education and a site visit with key state government officials in Salem. Aftertheinterviews are conducted, the committee willselect two finalists and a first and second alternate to represent Oregon. The delegates and alternates will be announced in early December 2015 on the ODE USSYPWeb page. Selection is based on the following criteria:

  • Demonstrated qualities of leadership by currently serving in an elected or selected capacity in student government such as student body president, vice president, secretary or treasurer; student council representative; student representative elected or selected (selected by a panel, commission, or board) to a school, school district, civic or educational organization at regional, state or national level.
  • High academic achievement;
  • Knowledge of American government and U.S. history;
  • The quality of the application, including the ability to write with clarity, express ideas in an organized and original fashion, and the use of correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to speak well;
  • Involvement in school and community activities.

What does the site visit entail?

The top four nominees and their parents will be invited to attend a site visit at the Oregon Department of Education in Salem. The agenda will include:

  • An interview and examination of the US Government knowledge with ODE staff.
  • Visits with key state government officials
  • A tour of the State Capitol Building.

Who do I contact if I have additional questions?

If you have any questions regarding the United States Youth Program, please contact Andrea Morgan at 503-947-5772or by e-mail at .

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