On March 24, 2024, the Siletz Tribal Youth Council (STYC) visited Oregon State University (OSU) as part of their annual college campus outreach initiative. This visit, attended by 30 youth council members, was the first of several planned throughout the year to promote social wellness through educational exploration and connection.
The STYC college visits are coordinated by advisors from the Siletz Tribal Education Department, who work closely with council members to provide hands-on exposure to post-secondary pathways. During the OSU visit, youth toured the campus, explored student housing and Native student spaces, and met with staff from OSU’s Native American Longhouse Eena Haws and other Indigenous support programs.
These visits are designed to empower youth by helping them envision their futures, ask questions about college life, and learn about academic and cultural resources available to Native students. They also encourage relationship-building among peers and strengthen confidence in pursuing higher education.
By bringing the Youth Council onto university grounds, STYC is fostering leadership, community connection, and the pursuit of knowledge—ensuring that the next generation of Siletz leaders are well-prepared and inspired.