North Star senior chosen as delegate to U.S. Senate Youth Program

Zein Saleh, a senior at Lincoln North Star High School, has been named one of two students from Nebraska as a delegate to the 60th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) held virtually from Washington, D.C., March 5-10. Saleh is one of only 104 students from across the country to be chosen.

Saleh is no stranger to leadership. He currently is the president of three school organizations: Key Club, Student Council and National Honor Society. He also was appointed as a member of the Lincoln Public Schools Scholarly Multicultural Equity Cadre, as well as the Diversity in LPS Advanced Course Enrollment Committee. He has been a Lincoln-Douglas debater since his freshman year, becoming team captain his junior year. He also has been the Equity in Afterschool Settings Curriculum intern for the Lincoln Community Learning Centers.

The USSYP was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962 and has been sponsored by the U.S. Senate and fully funded by The Hearst Foundations. The program is designed 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 not only for America but for people around the world.

The overall mission of the program is to help grow knowledge of the American political process and a lifelong commitment to public service. In addition to the program week, The Hearst Foundations provide each student with a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship.

During Washington Week, the student delegates virtually attend meetings and briefings with senators, members of the House of Representatives, Congressional staff, the president, a justice of the Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies, an ambassador to the United States and senior members of the national media.

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