Oregon Young Scholars Program

Program Background 

The Oregon Young Scholars Program (or OYSP) was created in 2005 and funded by the GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Participation) grant, an initiative of the Federal Government’s No Child Left Behind Act.  It was designed to respond to the growing disparity between children of color, children from low income households, those who are first generation to attend college, and their counterparts of white students of economic means with greater access to college through college preparatory high school programs and the greater wherewithal to afford the costs of an education. 

OYSP is premised upon a cohort model because such group collaborations are acknowledged as more successful and invaluable in teaching critical skills.  The world of business has long recognized that the establishment of “project communities”, defined by team cooperation, leadership, cross cultural understanding and an acknowledgement of and appreciation for the diversity of perspectives, best informs successful outcomes. Given the rapidly changing demographics in our own country and our integral and inextricable relationship as part of a global village, these experiences will prove invaluable to our Young Scholars as they pursue their future with their heads and hearts.

The Mission 

Beyond achieving a college degree, it is our belief that we must prepare these future scholars to be powerful and empowering members of their communities, ready to  assume leadership roles in shaping the quality of life, for themselves, their neighbors and their fellow citizens.

As part of this mission we also expect students to:  

-Pursue graduate studies leading to careers in academia and other professions;-

-Fulfill management and technical roles in the public and private sector; and- 

-Assume leadership positions in the nation's civic organizations.- 

The Goals

The goals of the Oregon Young Scholars Program are to:

• Increase the academic skills and college preparation of historically underrepresented students;
• Increase interest in college and the enrollment of African-American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic and Native American students, all low-income students, and other underrepresented students at the University of Oregon, and other colleges and universities;
• 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 skills and analytical, writing, math and science skills, and
• Increase the interest of parents/families of underrepresented students in higher education, which leads to increased communication with teachers and administrators, volunteer experiences, and lifelong learning.

About our seal: SESA WORUBAN~ "I change or transform my life"

~symbol of life transformation~

This symbol combines two separate Adinkra symbols, the "Morning Star" which can mean a new start to the day, placed inside the wheel, representing rotation or independent movement.

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