The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) announced that Colin Shen, a Clear Lake High School junior, will join Senator John Cornyn and Senator Ted Cruz in representing Texas during the 62nd annual USSYP Washington Week, to be held March 2-9, 2024.
Shen and one other Houston-area student were selected from among the state’s top student leaders to be part of the 104 national student delegation. Each delegate will also receive a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate study.
“I’m incredibly honored to be able to represent Clear Lake High School and Clear Creek ISD and couldn’t have done it without Principal Raska, my teachers and all the great educators in this District,” said Shen. “I think what matters to me most is being able to represent the local people on a national stage and have the opportunity to speak with leaders and politicians at the Capitol.”
With a keen interest in environmental advocacy, Shen worked as an Environment Texas intern, contributing to efforts to pass statewide legislation, such as Proposition 14 and Senate Bill 1648, expanding Texas state parks. Additionally, as a Houston youth climate ambassador, he created and led a citywide composting and recycling initiative in collaboration with the Mayor’s office and actively engages in scientific research to support his interests.
“I think going to DC I’m going to meet a lot of like-minded peers but also some that I may disagree with within the 103 other delegates,” stated Shen. “I think it’s important that I find the full political spectrum when talking to them because I’ll have to find compromise which I think is really important in politics. I think that is what I’m going to take away from Washington Week.”
Delegates and alternates are selected by the state departments of education nationwide after nomination by teachers and principals. The chief state school officer for each jurisdiction confirms the final selection. During the program week, the student delegates will attend meetings and briefings with senators, the president, a justice of the Supreme Court, and leaders of cabinet agencies, among others.
The USSYP was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962, has been sponsored by the Senate, and has been fully funded by The Hearst Foundations since its inception. The goal is to increase young Americans’ understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government, learn the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and emphasize the vital importance of democratic decision-making for America and people worldwide.
For more information, please visit www.ussenateyouth.org.
