Department of War Education Activity Students Represent DoWEA at 2026 United States Senate Youth Program
Two students from Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) schools were selected to represent the overseas school system at the 64th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) in Washington, D.C., in March 2026. Humphreys High School senior Ava Ellis and Wiesbaden High School junior Michael Carbone participated in the weeklong civic leadership initiative, which brings together outstanding student leaders from across the United States and DoWEA institutions worldwide.
About the United States Senate Youth Program
The United States Senate Youth Program is a prestigious educational initiative established in 1962 by Senate Resolution 324. The program provides an intensive week-long experience in Washington, D.C., for two outstanding high school students from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity. Participants receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship and engage in direct interactions with senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense, and other federal leaders.
DoWEA Representation in the 2026 USSYP
Ava Ellis and Michael Carbone were chosen as DoWEA’s delegates to the 2026 USSYP, which took place from March 7-14, 2026. Ellis attends Humphreys High School in South Korea, while Carbone is a student at Wiesbaden High School in Germany. Both schools serve children of military personnel stationed overseas as part of the DoWEA system, which operates schools on American military bases worldwide.
During their participation, Ellis and Carbone joined fellow delegates in visiting all three branches of the U.S. Government. Their itinerary included tours of the Supreme Court, the White House, the State Department, and multiple congressional offices. The students also attended briefings and discussions with policymakers, journalists, and military mentors who shared insights on leadership, public service, and resilience.
Student Experiences and Reflections
For Ava Ellis, who aspires to pursue a career in foreign service, hearing from Alabama Senator Katie Britt was a particularly meaningful moment. Ellis noted that she had previously lived in Alabama, making Senator Britt’s message about improving her home state especially resonant.
Michael Carbone highlighted ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott’s presentation on overcoming setbacks as a key takeaway from the program. Both students emphasized the value of connecting with peers from diverse backgrounds, describing how the experience fostered lasting friendships and broadened their perspectives on civic engagement.
Arlington National Cemetery Visit
As part of their USSYP activities, Ellis and Carbone visited Arlington National Cemetery, where they stood in front of the Memorial Amphitheater. The visit included participation in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a traditional component of the program that honors the nation’s fallen service members.
About the Department of War Education Activity
The Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) is a field operating agency of the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and managing prekindergarten through 12th grade educational programs for children of American military personnel stationed overseas. DoWEA operates more than 160 schools in 11 foreign countries, seven states, Guam, and Puerto Rico, serving approximately 67,000 students.
DoWEA’s mission focuses on providing high-quality education that prepares students for success in college, careers, and life as responsible citizens in a democratic society. The organization emphasizes academic excellence, educational equity, and support for the unique needs of military-connected students who frequently experience transitions due to parental relocations.
Program Impact and Legacy
The United States Senate Youth Program aims to deepen participants’ understanding of the American political process and strengthen their commitment to public service. By including DoWEA students in this national initiative, the program recognizes the unique perspectives and experiences of military-connected youth while providing them with opportunities to engage directly with national leaders.
Ellis and Carbone’s participation in the 2026 USSYP continues a tradition of DoWEA representation in the program, highlighting the Department of Defense’s commitment to fostering civic leadership among students in its overseas school system. Both students expressed encouragement for their peers to apply for future USSYP opportunities, describing the program as a rare and impactful experience in civic education.