Previously published on December 2, 2021
Sioux City, IA – West High School senior, Kenny Lam, has been selected as a delegate for the 60th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). Lam is just one of two delegates selected to represent the state of Iowa during the government and leadership education program, which will take place March 5-12 next year. Upon completion of the program, Lam will also receive a $10,000 undergraduate scholarship.
Lam was selected as a delegate for his exemplary leadership within the District’s School Improvement Advisory Committee and the Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA), a club for students wanting to pursue a career in health care. Earlier this year, Lam was elected to the HOSA State Executive Council to continue his work on a state-wide initiative to increase Iowa HOSA chapters and spread healthcare awareness. He volunteers for Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) by giving lectures to freshmen on sexual assault and other social issues. Lam also chaired the “Adopt-a-Family” committee at West High School providing over $1,500 for six local families.
Lam said, “I look forward to meeting like-minded people and people in higher leadership positions. I am excited to represent the state of Iowa.”
Lam plans to study health administration or health policy reform.
The United States Senate Youth Program is a national, nonpartisan initiative designed to provide talented high school students who have outstanding leadership abilities the opportunity to deepen their understanding of America’s political process and also provide a foundation of knowledge and encouragement to consider future careers in public service on the local, state or national level.
Established in 1962 and fully funded by the Hearst Foundations, the mission of the USSYP is to provide selected students with an opportunity to gain an in-depth view of the Senate and federal government as well as a deeper understanding of the interrelationship of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches. The annual program admits two student leader delegates from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity.
During Washington Week, delegates will attend briefings and meetings with senators, a Supreme Court justice, the president of the United States, Cabinet secretaries, an ambassador to the United States, and other federal agency leaders and senior members of the national media. Events include substantial question-and-answer sessions affording students direct and personal interaction with high-level leadership. Students also tour national monuments, memorials, and historic sites.