Read a guest blog from our TEACH partner, the Military Order of the World Wars!

 

Inspiring the Next Generation: MOWW’s 2025 National Youth Civics Summit
Hosted by the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW) | July 13–19, 2025 – Washington, D.C.

The 2025 National Youth Civics Summit (NYCS) brought 18 outstanding high school students from across the country to Washington, D.C. this summer for a transformative week of civic education, leadership development, and real-world learning. Hosted by the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW), this fully funded weeklong program offered students a unique opportunity to engage directly with the people, places, and institutions that shape American democracy.

The summit began with a keynote address from Michael “Rod” Rodríguez, President & CEO of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, who inspired students to lead with purpose and service. From there, students dove into an immersive schedule to explore our branches of government, including a visit to the U.S. Capitol and meeting members of Congress; a visit to the Supreme Court where attendees had the rare opportunity to meet with Col. Gail Curley (Ret.), the Supreme Court Marshal; a visit to The People’s House at the White House Historical Society; and an inside look at the Library of Congress.

One of the most memorable events of the week took place at the Reserve Organization of America building, where students networked with congressional staffers to learn what it takes to pursue a career in government and policy.

Classroom sessions at American University featured distinguished leaders such as COL Joe Funderburke, Ph.D., Senior Military Fellow at the Institute for National Strategic Studies, and Michael Halem, Acting Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology. A special presentation on the U.S. Constitution by Jay McConville, Board Member of Constituting America, enhanced these students’ understanding of their civic rights and responsibilities. A visit to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum offered a powerful lesson in human rights and historical memory. And at Arlington National Cemetery, students witnessed the solemn Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, reflecting on the cost of freedom and the meaning of service.

The week concluded with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Pentagon and an unforgettable evening at the U.S. Marine Corps Sunset Parade at 8th and I, where the Secretary of Defense served as Guest of Honor.

The 2025 National Youth Civics Summit was a life-changing experience that left attendees feeling inspired to lead, equipped to serve, and more connected to the democratic institutions that shape our nation.

How to Apply for the 2026 NYCS:
The NYCS is a fully funded, weeklong program in Washington, D.C., for top-performing students from MOWW’s nationwide Youth Leadership Conferences (YLCs). Led by veterans, YLCs teach leadership, patriotic education, ethics, communication, the free enterprise system, and more. Outstanding YLC participants are invited to apply for the next summer’s NYCS. To find a YLC near you and learn how to qualify for the 2026 NYCS, visit: https://moww.org/outreach-programs/patriotic-education-program/youth-leadership-conference-schedule/

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The Military Order of the World Wars is a patriotic, nonpartisan, Veterans Service Organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, civic responsibility, public service, and leadership in our nation’s communities. With 72 Chapters nationwide, MOWW is committed to serving our youth, communities, and nation.