The Oregon Young Scholars Program is a FREE four-year college prep program. The only investment required is active participation in a scholar’s personal and academic success. Beyond achieving a college degree, OYSP prepares participants to be active members of their communities, ready to assume leadership roles in co-constructing a quality life for themselves, their neighbors and their peers. 

OYSP is Powerful and Empowering

The goals of the Oregon Young Scholars Program encompass ideas of building, expanding and stretching. They are:

1. To develop and challenge the academic skills and college preparation of historically underrepresented students;
2. To increase interest in college and the enrollment of African-American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic and Native American students, needs-based students, and other underrepresented students at the University of Oregon, and other colleges and universities;
3. To build a cadre of young scholars who will participate in academic, social, community and cultural activities that increase their ability to flourish in an educational setting, improve study and analytical skills across the disciplines of writing, arts and sciences, and apply new lessons to their lives;
4. To increase the interest of parents/families in higher education and encourage increased communication with teachers and administrators;
5. To promote active civic engagement through volunteer experiences and lifelong learning;
6. To foster a sense of community that is safe and accountable. 

The world of business has long recognized that the establishment of “project communities,” defined by team cooperation, leadership, cross-cultural understanding and a recognition of and appreciation for the diversity of perspectives, best informs successful outcomes. OYSP is organized around a cohort model, where such group collaborations are acknowledged as successful and invaluable in teaching critical skills. Given rapidly changing national demographics and our inextricable relationship as part of a global village, these mentored, on-campus cohort experiences will be invaluable to these Young Scholars as they pursue their future. Participants in OYSP typically enter the program as rising freshmen in high school and remain in the program through their senior year. Each summer, OYSP brings these rising freshmen together, with returning Young Scholars, for a summer on-campus residential experience. The program focuses on providing this opportunity to students of color, students from homes with limited incomes, and students who are the first in their families to be college bound. Acceptance into the program requires a commitment to one’s own personal success, as well as the success of one’s peers.Oregon Young Scholars come to campus to start thinking about and working toward a college education. During this on-campus experience, students learn how to prepare for, apply to, and pay for college. Scholars also learn important skills in civic engagement, active reflection, and leadership. They will have opportunities to increase their skills in math and writing, as well as participate in smaller cohort groups that focus on a variety of STEM, Social Science and Art disciplines. Academic and personal support continues through the academic school year. Oregon Young Scholars will gain a second family that truly cares about them and their success!

Questions?
Email oysp@uoregon.edu or call (541) 346-3479

Oregon Young Scholars Program Summer Academy

2024 OYSPers on a tour of Autzen Stadium

 

Apply to Participate to the 2025 OYSP Summer Academy

 

For existing members of OYSP that would like to participate in our Summer Academy, a one week experiential learning camp on the University of Oregon's main Campus in Eugene, Oregon.  

Application Deadline for the 2025 Camp : TBD

A in-person camp on the University of Oregon campus during the last full week of July each year. Enrolled  OYSPers can apply for free to attend classes, workshops, and leaderships building exercises with the goal of better preparing them for entering college. 

Students will stay in UO campus housing and will be provided meals through campus dining. There will be supervision by student RAs as well as professional staff at all times.

Who is eligible to apply?

• Student who are currently in 9th grade as of this fall are welcome to apply. Although all students are welcome to ask about their eligibility through our interest form. 

Who is able to attend the Summer Academy? 

• All scholars can attend the summer academy if they participate and follow the scholar agreements throughout the year. We hope all scholars can attend and that they will be able to make the arrangements to travel to the University of Oregon campus. 

Are there any scholarships that come with being an OYSP’er? 

• There are several scholarships that are tied to OYSP that graduating OYSPers are welcome to apply for. Staff will provide information and deadlines as they become available. Staff will also provide support and guidance for the application materials and process. 

How do I apply? 

• Click on the Interest form at the top of the page and the application materials will be sent to you.

Can undocumented students apply? 

• Yes, documentation is not required as apart of the application process or to join the program.

What involvement is there throughout the year?

• Students are expected to participate in mothy check-ins and quarterly meetings hosted virtually throughout the year.

Does OYSP cost anything?

• There is no associated cost to apply for the program, or to remain in the program all four years. There is also no cost to attend the Summer Academy but students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the University of Oregon Campus if they choose to attend.

What if I have a concerns about accessibility for my student?

• Please reach out to us if you have any concerns about an accessibility issue. OYSP is very concerned with making our programming inclusive and rewarding for all students. We can develop accommodations depending on your needs. Contact info is below.

For more information:

Contact: oysp@uoregon.edu

541-346-3479

OYSP Summer Academy: Past Programs

Students present on research done in their museum studies break out group

Students enjoy ice cream after programming at Prince Puckler's. 

Students "throw up the O" on UO campus.

Fracchia/Gary Scholarship

The Fracchia/Gary Scholarship was created to provide financial assistance to one or more underrepresented undergraduate students enrolled at the University of Oregon, and to thereby support the university’s commitment to diversity.

Each spring at least one Oregon Young Scholar Program (OYSP) student will be selected to receive this scholarship award to assist the recipient(s) with expenses related to attending the University of Oregon including, but not limited to, tuition, fees, books, miscellaneous supplies, room, and board.

Link to more information

Jonathan Walker Memorial Scholarship

Jonathan was preparing to start his first year of college in 2017, when we lost him to a tragic accident. He was the epitome of love and compassion for all that he engaged with. He understood and appreciated the value of higher education as a means to being able to support one's family and community. He touched many countless lives in his too-short life. Each scholarship will be for a minimum of $1000.00 with a goal of awarding several applicants this year.

Can be found through the OSAC application. 

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