Hoeven Meets With North Dakota's U.S. Senate Youth Program Delegates
WASHINGTON — Senator John Hoeven this week met with Martin Bergstedt, a senior at Enderlin High School, and Cady Wang, a senior at Davies High School in Fargo, who were chosen to represent North Dakota as delegates to the 63rd annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). The program brings students from across the country to Washington, D.C. to meet with senators, the president, a Supreme Court Justice and cabinet officials.
“We congratulate Martin and Cady on being selected as North Dakota’s Senate Youth Program delegates and commend their dedication to academics and community service,” said Hoeven. “This prestigious, merit-based program offers students a unique opportunity to learn about the federal government while also providing scholarships to support their education.”
Martin Bergstedt
Martin Bergstedt, a senior at Enderlin High School, is president of the Future Business Leaders of America chapter. He also serves as FCCLA vice president, a National Honor Society member, yearbook editor and pep club leader. A National Merit semifinalist and accomplished speaker, he is a three-time state champion and two-time national qualifier in Speech and Debate. Actively involved in the Enderlin Endowment Fund, he plans to pursue a career in corporate finance.
Cady Wang
Cady Wang, a senior at Davies High School in Fargo, advises the North Dakota Health and Human Services Youth Advisory Board, representing nearly 200,000 youth statewide. She promotes health care equipment recycling and supports True Friends summer camp for individuals with disabilities. As a Research Science Institute participant, she now interns at North Dakota State University, working with local farms on sustainable agriculture. She plans to study environmental engineering and public policy at MIT, followed by a master’s in public policy focused on climate change and sustainability.
About USSYP
Created in 1962 by Senate Resolution 324, the USSYP has been sponsored by the Senate and fully funded by The Hearst Foundations since the program’s inception. Senate testimony states that the impetus for the program is “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.”
Each year, this competitive, merit-based program brings 104 of the most outstanding high school students — two from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity — to Washington, D.C. for an intensive week-long study of the federal government and those who lead it. The program’s mission is to help instill within each student delegate a more profound knowledge of the American political process and a lifelong commitment to public service.
In addition to the program week, the Hearst Foundations provides each student with a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs. Transportation and all expenses for Washington Week are also provided by The Hearst Foundations because, as stipulated in S.Res.324, no government funds are utilized.
The chief educational officer in each state selects the delegates after nomination by teachers and principals. This year’s delegates were designated by Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction.
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