The Orrin G. Hatch Foundation announced the inaugural recipients of the OGH Intern Scholarship Thursday evening. The new initiative recognizes Utah students who have demonstrated a commitment to public service through Capitol Hill internships.
The Foundation selected Cade Ramsey, a junior at Brigham Young University, and Porter Lee, a junior at Weber State University, as the scholarship’s first recipients. Ramsey recently completed an internship in the Washington, D.C., office of U.S. Senator John Curtis, while Lee will intern this fall in the Washington office of U.S. Senator Mike Lee (no relation).
The scholarships were presented during the Foundation’s annual Titan of Public Service Award Gala at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City.
“Senator Hatch understood that one of the most meaningful investments we can make is in the next generation of public servants,” said Melanie Bowen, Community Relations Director at the Hatch Foundation. “Senator Hatch gave thousands of young people the opportunity to experience public service firsthand. Many went on to make a difference in their communities and in our country. Through the OGH Intern Scholarship, we hope to continue that tradition by helping exceptional students like Cade and Porter pursue opportunities to learn, serve, and lead.”
During his 42 years of service in the U.S. Senate, Senator Hatch welcomed more than 2,000 interns to Capitol Hill, providing young people with opportunities to experience the legislative process, develop professionally, and learn firsthand the importance of public service. The OGH Intern Scholarship builds upon that legacy by supporting a new generation of students pursuing similar opportunities in Washington.
About the 2026 OGH Intern Scholarship Recipients
Cade Ramsey is a junior at Brigham Young University studying strategic management at the Marriott School of Business. This summer, he interned in Senator Curtis’s Washington office, where he gained firsthand experience with the legislative process and public service. Following graduation, Ramsey plans to attend law school and continue developing the skills necessary for a career of leadership and service.
“My internship with Senator Curtis gave me an invaluable opportunity to see public service firsthand and to learn from those working every day on behalf of the people of Utah,” said Cade Ramsey. “I’m grateful to the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation for this scholarship and for its investment in students who want to make a meaningful difference in their communities and our country.”
Porter Lee is a junior at Weber State University studying political science with a focus on public policy and legislative affairs. He recently served as a legislative intern for Utah Senate Majority Whip Chris Wilson during the 2026 Utah Legislative Session and has gained federal advocacy experience through an internship with America’s Credit Unions in Washington, D.C.
This fall, Lee will continue his public service experience on Capitol Hill as an intern in Senator Mike Lee’s Washington office.
“I’m honored to receive the OGH Intern Scholarship as I prepare to begin my internship in Senator Mike Lee’s office,” Porter Lee said. “I look forward to gaining firsthand experience on Capitol Hill and learning from those serving our state and nation.”
The OGH Intern Scholarship reflects the Foundation’s broader commitment to developing the next generation of public servants and expanding opportunities for students to engage directly in the institutions of American government.
