Miss Portland

Candidates in our next competition on April 18, 2026 must meet all the requirements for one of the age divisions listed below. Anyone that will be 18 years old for the entire month of September 2026 may choose between the two age divisions.

-United States Citizen
-Female
-Age 18-28 (Must be NO OLDER than 28 on September 30, 2026 and NO YOUNGER than 18 on September 1, 2026)
-Must Reside, Attend School, or Work Full-Time in Portland
-Not Currently (Nor Have Ever Been) Married
-No Legal Dependents

We are early in the process of figuring out our timeline for the next program season. The dates for competition weekend are set, but everything else is subject to change. This gives you a general idea of what to expect though.

If you have any scheduling conflicts, do not let that deter you for participating. We are very flexible with busy schedules because our program is used to working with ambitious and involved young women.

Sunday, February 1 - Applications Open

February 28 - Application Deadline

Sunday, March 1 - Workshop
Sunday, March 8 - Workshop
Sunday, March 15 - Workshop
Sunday, March 29 - Workshop
Sunday, April 12 - Workshop
Saturday, April 18 - Competition

Private Interview:

• Wardrobe: Delegate’s Choice - Stylish/Age Appropriate Interview Attire

• Timing: 30-Second Introduction/CSI Overview, 9-Minute Q&A, 30-Second Wrap-Up/Closing Statement

• Description: Each candidate will provide a Fact Sheet and Community Service Initiative (CSI) Statement for the judges to review in advance. Templates will be provided for these documents. During the private interview, the judges will ask each candidate questions.

• Purpose: The judges are trying to determine each candidate’s qualifications, intelligence, charisma, authenticity, and ability to serve as a role model, commit to their CSI, and fulfill the duties of a brand ambassador.

• Looking for examples?Watch Miss America interviews on Pageants Live (Subscription Required)

Performing Arts/HER Story: 20%

• Wardrobe: Delegate’s Choice – Performance Arts Talents or HER Story Presentation

  Timing: Up to 90 Seconds

• Description: Each candidate will captivate the audience with a talent performance or personal narrative. Candidates may use music, props, or other creative means to enhance their storytelling experience or talent performance.

• Purpose: This serves to underscore the Miss America Opportunity’s commitment to performance arts education initiatives and women’s individuals efforts in the arts.

• Looking for examples?Watch the Top 11 in Talent at Miss America 2025.

Health & Fitness: 20%

• Wardrobe: Delegate’s Choice of Rebel Athletic’s Curated Styles for Miss America Organization (or similar red athletic wear)

• Timing: Each Candidate Will Not Exceed 20-30 Seconds

• Description: Each candidate will complete a pre-blocked, high energy stage routine with movement and posing to showcase her commitment to health and fitness initiatives. No props are allowed.

• Purpose: Discipline and commitment to being physically healthy is a key to success in all other areas of life and the rigors of representing the Miss America Opportunity.

• Looking for examples?Watch the Top 11 in Health & Fitness at Miss America 2025.

Evening Gown: 20%

• Wardrobe: Delegate’s Choice of Evening Wear - Appropriate for Red Carpet

  Timing: 45-60 Seconds

• Description: Each candidate will present her sense of style during an elegant runway/stage experience set to music.

• Purpose: The role of brand ambassadors may include attending galas, fundraisers, and other formal events that require posing for press photographers, modeling in fashion shows, and promoting fashion designers who partner with the Miss America Opportunity.

• Looking for examples?Watch the Top 11 in Evening Gown at Miss America 2025.

On- Stage Conversation: 10%

• Wardrobe: Delegate’s Choice - Stylish/Age Appropriate Interview (Re-Wear Private Interview Outfit)

• Timing: Up to 20 Seconds

• Description: Each candidate will be asked a question onstage and they will have 20 seconds to respond.

• Purpose: This allows each candidate to interact with the judges and the audience, while highlighting her intelligence, charisma, commitment to community service, and aptitude for the role of a brand ambassador.