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Peter Chen is heading to Capitol Hill nearly two decades before he can carry out his dream of serving there.

The 18-year-old Mason High School senior recently was selected to serve as one of two student delegates from Ohio at the 47th Annual United States Senate Youth Program, scheduled for March 7-14 in Washington, D.C.

Chen, the school's student body president, said he has been involved with student politics for four years and aspires to run for political office someday, possibly as a U.S. Senator.

Established in 1962, the program brings together the highest-level officials from each branch of government with 104 students — two high school juniors or seniors from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity.

The delegates will sit in on major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials of the Departments of State and Defense and directors of federal agencies. They also will participate in a meeting with a Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Each session with elected officials offers an in-depth question-and-answer period. The experience is designed to deepen students' understanding of America's political processes and encourage them to consider careers in public service

"I think that the chance to interact with so many politicians and to see, hands-on, what they do day-in and day-out is really what's going to be most valuable for me," Chen said. "I've always been able to read about things, but you never get to see it first hand."

Chen said he is thrilled that the program includes a tour of the White House led by President Barack Obama.

"He's always been one of my idols because as a minority, it's harder for someone like me to gain political office," he said. "Just seeing him do that is inspirational."

The William Randolph Hearst Foundation, which has fully funded the program since its inception, pays all expenses for student delegates to participate in Washington Week.

Each student receives a one-time $5,000 undergraduate college scholarship. Chen said he plans to put that toward earning a degree in political science or business.

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4541 or eschwartzberg@

coxohio.com.