Two students to represent DoDEA at 2026 United States Senate Youth Program

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is pleased to announce Wiesbaden High School student Michael Carbone and Humphreys High School student Ava Ellis have been selected to represent the agency as delegates to the 64^th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), to be held March 7-14, 2026, in Washington, D.C. 

The U.S. Senate Youth Program is a merit-based and highly competitive opportunity, with applicants demonstrating leadership through public service in elected positions during the entire school year where they represent a constituency in organizations related to government, public affairs, history and/or community service. These students actively serve in qualified leadership positions in DoDEA high schools.

In addition to representing DoDEA and the U.S. Senators for the state where their parents are registered to vote during the USSYP, Carbone and Ellis will be awarded a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science. 

Ava Ellis

Ava Ellis is a senior at Humphreys High School, located at Camp Humphreys in South Korea.  As a military dependent, her experiences traveling the world have inspired her to pursue a career in diplomacy. Ellis has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to civic involvement with a passion for service and global engagement.  Ellis founded the Key Club at Humphreys and served as president in 2024-2025, growing the membership significantly while focusing on community service projects and coordinating more than 500 service hours. Her dedication extends beyond her current school, having served as a lieutenant governor in the Alabama District of Key Club International, overseeing eight clubs, organizing division-wide service projects, and planning the state conference. With more than 400 volunteer hours herself, Ellis looks forward to gaining deeper insight through USSYP to further her impact and advance her goal of serving the world as a future diplomat. 

Michael Carbone

Michael Carbone is a junior at Wiesbaden High School. Through his experiences as a military dependent, Carbone brings a global perspective and a strong commitment to civic engagement. Born in Landstuhl, Germany, Michael holds leadership positions in several student organizations, including treasurer of Model United Nations, secretary of the Model United States Senate Club, and executive board member of Educators Rising. He is also a Student Ambassador, a Speech and Debate competitor, and a varsity track and field athlete. Carbone looks forward to engaging with government leaders, exploring national challenges, and gaining insight into how youth can contribute to public service. Through this experience, he hopes to strengthen his leadership and communication skills, deepen his civic involvement, and continue serving his community and country. 

The USSYP was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962 and has been sponsored by the Senate and fully funded by The Hearst Foundations since inception. Originally proposed by Senators Kuchel, Mansfield, Dirksen and Humphrey, the Senate leadership of the day, the impetus for the program as stated in Senate testimony is "to increase young Americans’ understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government, learn the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and emphasize the vital importance of democratic decision making not only for America but for people around the world."

Each year this extremely competitive merit-based program brings the most outstanding high school students - two from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity - to Washington, D.C. for an intensive week-long study of the federal government and the people who lead it. The overall mission of the program is to help instill within each class of USSYP student delegates more profound knowledge of the American political process and a lifelong commitment to public service. All expenses for Washington Week are provided by The Hearst Foundations; as stipulated in S.Res.324, no government funds are utilized.

In addition to outstanding leadership abilities and a strong commitment to volunteer work, the student delegates rank academically in the top one percent of their states among high school juniors and seniors. Now more than 6,100 strong, alumni of the program continue to excel and develop impressive qualities that are often directed toward public service.

Delegates and alternates are selected by the state departments of education nationwide and the District of Columbia and Department of Defense Education Activity, after nomination by teachers and principals. The chief state school officer for each jurisdiction confirms the final selection. This year’s DoDEA delegates and alternates were designated by Dr. Beth Schiavino-Narvaez, DoDEA Director. 

During the program week, the student delegates will attend meetings and briefings with senators, the president, a justice of the Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies and senior members of the national media, among others. Each year, the Honorary Co-Chairs of the program are the vice president of the United States and the Senate majority and minority leaders.