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THE PROMISE OF THE SIX YOUTH SUMMIT
Inside the Promise Pavilion — Independence Center B Military Child World Expo 2026 | Torchbearers of America’s Future
Where Identity Becomes Leadership
Why The Youth Summit
The Promise of the Six Youth Summit was created in direct response to national surveys, listening sessions, and lived experiences shared by military-connected youth and teen caregivers.
Across those conversations, youth expressed:
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A lack of spaces where their voices are centered
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A desire to discuss identity, transition, caregiving, and future readiness
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Frustration with being spoken about rather than with
The Youth Summit answers that call.
This is not a conference about youth, it is a summit led by youth.
Summit Focus Areas
Summit conversations may include:
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Military-connected identity and belonging
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Teen caregiving and hidden responsibility
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School transitions and resilience
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Mental wellness and peer support
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Leadership without rank
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Preparing for adulthood, careers, and service
Topics are shaped by youth input and may evolve year to year.
Format
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Youth-led panels and short talks
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Moderated conversations with peer voices
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Facilitated dialogue, not formal lectures
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Time allotted for youth reflection and questions
Summit sessions are designed to be accessible, affirming, and age-appropriate
Who Participates
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Military-connected youth and teens
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Teen caregivers and caregiving youth
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Youth alumni (young adults) as mentors
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Select adult facilitators (supportive, not directive)
The Six Promises
These promises become:
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Badge colors
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Wristbands
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Dialogue prompts
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Stage language
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Visual identity
This is the culture of the Summit
The Promise of the Six
These are the shared values that guide the Summit:
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We belong to more than one place.
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We carry memory and movement within us.
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We love beyond distance and time.
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We adapt, not to disappear, but to stay whole.
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We build community wherever we land.
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We rise, not alone, but together.
Who Should Attend
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Military-connected youth (all branches & generations)
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Civilian youth who have experienced transition, identity questions, or caregiving
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Youth creators, performers, entrepreneurs
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Students from Purple Star Schools, DoDEA schools, public, private, charter, homeschool
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Overseas installation youth
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Young adults who once were military children
Belonging does not require explanation.
If you feel called to be here, you are already part of this.
Want To Participate
Want to Participate?
Youth interested in speaking or participating in the Summit may submit interest through the Youth Pavilion form.
Workshops & Dialogue Labs
Workshops respond to what youth themselves have identified as real needs:
Track: Roots & Routes
Focus: Identity, culture, belonging in movement
Why It Matters: Youth report high identity friction during transitions
Track: The Weight We Carry
Focus: Caregiving + emotional labor
Why It Matters: Military teens report a high hidden caregiver role
Track: How We Stay Well
Focus: Mental + emotional grounding tools
Why It Matters: Surveys show declining self-reported well-being
Track: The Real Cost of Resilience
Focus: Economic + food + basic need strain
Why It Matters: Food insecurity + instability are rising
Track: Future After Here
Focus: Pathways, purpose, transitions
Why It Matters: Youth want help planning beyond constant change
Connect here to the workshops.