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SCHOOLS & EDUCATORS
Supporting Military-Connected Students Through Education, Belonging, and Opportunity
Supporting Military-Connected Students Through Education, Belonging, and Opportunity
Schools and educators play a critical role in the lives of military-connected children, providing stability, continuity, and a sense of belonging amid frequent transitions.
The Military Child World Expo is designed as a public, family-centered educational experience that complements what schools already do every day: support learning, identity development, and community connection for students.
This page is intended to help school leaders, educators, counselors, administrators, and youth program staff understand how the Expo aligns with educational goals and how students may participate appropriately.
WHY THE EXPO MATTER FOR SCHOOLS
Military-connected students often face:
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Frequent school transitions
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Interrupted academic pathways
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Social disconnection
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Hidden caregiving responsibilities
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Limited opportunities to see their experiences reflected or validated
The Expo exists to help address these realities by offering a safe, inclusive, and educational environment where students and families can:
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See their experiences recognized
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Access community and educational resources
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Explore future pathways
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Engage in age-appropriate learning experiences
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Build pride in identity and service
The Expo does not replace school programming, it supports and extends it.
EDUCATION FOCUS AREAS
What Students Experience at the Expo
The Military Child World Expo features structured, age-appropriate activities across multiple focus areas:
Education & STEAM
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Hands-on STEAM learning experiences
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Creative innovation and design (e.g., STEAM Suited™)
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Planetarium and science-based programming
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Exposure to emerging technologies and careers
Education & Scholarship Pathways
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Colleges, universities, and education organizations
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Information on academic pathways, certifications, and future planning
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Career exploration and workforce readiness
Youth Voice & Civic Engagement
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Youth-led spaces and discussions
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Opportunities for students to share perspectives
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Leadership and service recognition
Wellness & Support Resources
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Family-centered wellness organizations
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Mental health awareness and community supports
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Caregiver recognition and service learning
WHO THIS IS FOR
Educator View
This event is appropriate for:
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Elementary students (with families)
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Middle and high school students
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Military-connected and civilian students
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Youth caregivers
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Parents and guardians
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Educators and school staff
Participation is voluntary, family-guided, and aligned with community engagement and learning.
Schools Participation Options
Schools and educators may engage with the Expo in several ways:
Attendance & Family Engagement
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Share Expo information with families
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Encourage family attendance as a community event
Student Performances
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School bands, choirs, orchestras, or ensembles
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Performances are optional, scheduled, and age-appropriate
Youth Learning & Service
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Students may participate in learning activities
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Eligible youth caregivers may receive community service hours, subject to verification
Educator & Counselor Engagement
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Learn about community resources supporting military-connected students
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Connect with organizations aligned to student needs
SAFETY & APPROPRIATENES
The Military Child World Expo is a youth-centered, family-appropriate event.
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No alcohol, tobacco, or explicit content
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No weapons or military equipment displays
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All programming is educational or community-based
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Youth participants are accompanied by parents or guardians
The Expo is designed to meet the expectations of school districts, military communities, and families.
For Schools Leaders & Districts
The Expo is shared with school systems as a community awareness opportunity, not a solicitation.
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No student data is collected by MCWEF or MCWE
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Participation does not require school endorsement
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Schools determine internal communication and participation decisions
Materials are made available via secure links to support district email systems.
Join the Purple Star & DoDEA Recognition Gathering
A dedicated meet-up for:
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Purple Star campuses
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School Liaison Officers (SLOs)
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DoDEA leadership & educators
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District transition coordinators
Purpose:
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Share practices
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Build alignment
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Strengthen the national belonging network
Call To Action
Interested in Learning More?
If you are an educator, school administrator, counselor, or district representative and would like additional information, please contact us:
We are happy to provide:
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Educator-specific briefs
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Participation guidance
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Safety and appropriateness clarification
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Scheduling and logistics information
The Military Child World Expo is a public, nonprofit, educational community event hosted in Arlington, Virginia, the Home of the Military Child.
Educator Reflection Statement
You don’t have to hold every student’s journey alone.
We hold it together.