The Oregon Young Scholars Program (OYSP) offers rising Oregon high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors a chance to experience college life firsthand. It takes place on the UO campus, where students live in a dorm with a roommate and share meals, classes and projects with their peers, just as they would in college. 

Participants in OYSP are chosen from the eighth grade classes of several schools in Portland and Eugene-Springfield that serve students who are most underserved in higher education and who have valuable community connections and assets to share. The program is open to all students, including students with deep connections to civic, cultural, faith-based and other organizations as well as students from rural populations, first-generation, Pell-eligible students, as well as students from historically underrepresented populations. 

Each summer, OYSP brings these rising freshman from all parts of Oregon together with returning Young Scholars, for the summer on-campus residential experience. These Oregon high school students come to campus to start thinking about and working toward a college education. They attend intensive classes in math and writing and participate in an area of emphasis for specialized study, particularly in the disciplinary areas of STEM and fine arts. 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. 

1. To build a community of young scholars who will participate in academic, social, and community activities that increase their ability to flourish in an educational setting.
2. To increase the interest of parents/families in higher education and encourage increased communication with teachers and administrators.
3. To promote active civic engagement through volunteer experiences and lifelong learning.
4. To foster a sense of community that is safe and accountable.