A high school student in San Jose has been selected as one of two people statewide to represent California in the annual U.S. Senate Youth Program, which gives winners a $10,000 scholarship and the opportunity to get an in-depth view of the Senate and federal government.
Sneha Revanur, a senior at Evergreen Valley High School in the East Side Union High School District, was selected along with a student in Riverside County for the honor.
Revanur serves as a student member of the Santa Clara County Office of Education’s Youth Advisory Group Core Advocacy Team, which participates in mental health policymaking discussions, and founded Encode Justice, a youth-led organization advocating for human rights amid technological advancements with algorithms and artificial intelligence.
According to the California Department of Education, Revanur is the only high school student participating in the Systemic Justice Project at Harvard Law School’s Justice Initiative.
The state education department reviews eligible nominees, who must hold a leadership position in organizations related to student government, education, public affairs or community service, and have expressed an interest in pursuing a career in public service.
The students chosen for the program, which is in its 60th year, usually get an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., but because of the pandemic, this year’s students will participate in a virtual Washington Week Online program from March 5-10, 2022.
“I am amazed at what these incredible students have accomplished already in their young lives in their schools and communities and know they will represent California well in this program,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said in a statement.
More information about the program can be found online.