Hanford High Student Selected for U.S. Senate Youth Program

A Hanford High School senior is one of two Washington state students selected for a national government program and will receive a $10,000 scholarship as well.

Shreya Mehta's selection as a delegate for the United States Senate Youth Program includes the opportunity to attend a virtual week of major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies. She and other student delegates will also hear from President Joe Biden and a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Civic involvement has been a focus for Shreya throughout her education. She has served in student government and is currently Hanford High’s ASB president and helped establish the Hanford Student Equity Club. She also serves on Superintendent Dr. Shelley Redinger’s Student Advisory Council and Work Group on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. At the state level she also has worked with the State Board of Education and Washington State School Directors Association (WSSDA) on student voice projects.

"Throughout high school, I’ve deeply grown as a leader, being ASB President, running our student equity group, and being a student voice in various groups in the district," Shreya says. "I’ve seen firsthand from staff and community organizers what it looks like to enact deep change, so I really have them to thank for having pushed for more equitable schools, long before I had ever thought about it."
 
The United States Youth Program was created in 1962 by Senate Resolution 324. Student delegates chosen for this merit-based program have outstanding leadership skills and a strong commitment to volunteer work. The selection process for this program is led by the State Superintendent of Education.