MCEC Celebrates a Highly Successful 2024 Global Training Summit

HARKER HEIGHTS, Texas – August 6, 2024 — The Military Child Education Coalition® (MCEC®) proudly announces the successful conclusion of the 2024 Global Training Summit, held in Washington, D.C., from July 29-31. With 771 participants, both in-person and virtual, this year’s summit marked a significant milestone in fostering support and understanding for military-connected children.

“Our Global Training Summit exemplifies the dedication and collaboration needed to support military-connected children. The energy and engagement from students, educators, and partners this year have been truly inspiring,” said Dr. Becky Porter, MCEC President and CEO.

Key Highlights and Achievements

Innovative Student-Led Elements: This year, students took center stage by introducing major sessions and sharing their experiences as military-connected children. A special student-led panel during the closing session provided a platform for students to voice their challenges and triumphs, making this year’s summit unique and impactful. “Our Global Training Summit was an exciting event, and the enthusiastic and poised presentations from military-connected students brought the impact of our work to life,” said Dr. Porter.

Emma Thomas, former member of S2S at Union Pines High School, Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program (FHSLP) recipient, and current UNC-Charlotte School of Nursing senior, attended this year’s summit as an S2S advisor. “I encourage all students to embrace every opportunity MCEC has to offer and to step out of your comfort zones,” said Thomas of the personal growth and confidence she experienced through S2S and the Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program.

Successful Fundraiser: The opening gala event featured a fundraiser for the Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program, surpassing its goal and receiving a matching gift of $25,000.

Distinguished Speakers and Sessions: The summit opened with a video greeting by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. “It’s great to have the chance to speak to the Military Child Education Coalition,” said Secretary Austin. “For more than 25 years, MCEC has worked to support the youngest members of our DoD community. Our military children make big sacrifices to support their parents’ service to our country, so we’re committed to standing by them and to helping them achieve their own dreams.”

The summit’s many distinguished presenters included U.S. Army LTG (Ret.) Darrell K. Williams, President of Hampton University, the featured speaker during the summit’s opening gala event. “Thank you, MCEC, for standing in the gaps of those lost spaces in between military assignments, moving from one place to another often on a global scale. That is one of the pressing needs of our time, and you have filled that space for almost three decades,” said Williams.

Other notable speakers and subject matter experts led a wide-ranging selection of master classes:

• “What the World Needs Now is High Quality Connections!” presented by Kimberly S. Dickman, Ed.D.
• “State Implementation and Evaluation of New Policy Initiatives: Research Findings,” moderated by Daniel Perkins, Ph.D., and Jennifer Karre, Ph.D.
• “State Implementation and Evaluation of New Policy Initiatives: Implications & Applications,” moderated by Patricia M. Barron.
• “Nurturing the Seed of Character in Children,” moderated by Michael D. Matthews, Ph.D.
• “Bridging Research and Practice: Translating Discoveries into Support for Military Children,” moderated by Col. (Ret.) Eric Flake, M.D.

Recognition and Awards: The summit honored various outstanding contributions:

• Military Child Champion Awards: Introduced this year, the Military Child Champion Award honors outstanding contributions of time, talent, and resources that benefit military-connected children and their families, supporting MCEC’s vision to ensure every military-connected child is college-, work-, and life-ready. The award is presented in three categories: Corporate (awarded to USAA), Partner (awarded to Wounded Warrior Project), and Individual (awarded to General (Retired) Dennis J. Reimer, 33rd Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, and Mrs. Mary Jo Reimer, both of whom have been ardent supporters of MCEC’s cause since even before its inception). “A tremendous amount of progress has been made in MCEC’s 26 years, said GEN (Ret.) Reimer. “I have been inspired by the young people who participate in MCEC programs that have come across this stage tonight. They have made a difference in their schools and with their families. They will make an even greater difference when they go out into the world.”
• Pete Taylor Partnership of Excellence Awards: Presented by SEAC Troy E. Black and Mrs. Stacie Black, these awards recognized exceptional partnerships supporting military-connected children. The awards honored the following initiatives:
  • Outstanding Community Partnership: Bay Area Education Alliance – Florida. Partners: Naval Support Activity Panama City, Tyndall Air Force Base, Bay District Schools, Florida State University at Panama City, Gulf Coast State College, Collegiate High School at Florida State University. Highlights: Over 55 military-affiliated mentors contributed 2,500+ volunteer hours, recognized with 18 Purple Star Schools Awards, and engaged 300+ students with Military Honor Cords. Events like STEMFEST and Military Showcase highlight STEM career paths within the military.
  • Exemplary Community Partnership: Military-Connected Youth Process Action Team – Virginia. Partners: Fort Belvoir, Fairfax County Public Schools, George Mason University, Military Veterans and Families Initiative at George Mason University. Highlights: Regular meetings identify needs and strategies ensuring positive experiences for military-connected youth.
  • Recognized Community Partnership: Count on Me – Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas. Partners: Fort Cavazos, Columbus Air Force Base, Killeen Independent School District, Madison City Schools District, Temple Independent School District, Lowndes County School, Meadows Elementary School, Liberty Middle School, Caledonia Elementary School, Meridith-Dunbar Early Childhood Academy. Highlights: Initiatives like Read Across America and Family STEM Night, establishment of Free Little Libraries, and support for children facing health challenges.
  • Outstanding Individual Program/Project: PreApprenticeship: Operation Future Force (OFF) – Alaska. Partners: Eielson AFB, Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, Alaska Air National Guard 168th Air Guard, Ben Eielson Jr./Sr. High School, Anderson Crawford Elementary School. Highlights: Career exploration in various Air Force specialties with over 140 military squadron commanders mentoring high school students.
  • Exemplary Individual Program/Project: Semper Instructis – Florida. Partners: Coast Guard Sector Key West, Monroe County School District, Sigsbee Charter School. Highlights: STEM-based Problem-Based Learning (PBL) curriculum supporting social-emotional needs, mentorship by service members, and activities improving mental wellness.

Speaking to the large audience of educators and students, SEAC Troy E. Black emphasized, “With the exception of parents, educators are the most influential individuals in our young people’s lives. They may even spend more time with them than parents because of how we provide our education.”

• Mary Keller Award for Distinguished Contributions to Science: Awarded to Dr. Abigail Gewirtz for her significant work in child psychology and support for families under stress.
• Student 2 Student® (S2S™) Team of the Year Awards: Recognizing House Creek Elementary, Driscoll Middle, Burkburnett High, and Liberty Middle for their exemplary leadership and support. “Congratulations to this year’s S2S Team of the Year winners,” said Dr. Porter. “Your efforts to support your peers during transitions demonstrate the spirit of camaraderie and leadership that defines the S2S program.”

Significant Sponsorship and Support: This year’s summit was made possible by generous contributions from sponsors led by USAA, CollegeBoard, and CareSource Military & Veterans. Other sponsors included OshKosh Defense, Kellanova, Textron, ADS, Association of Military Banks of America, and General Dynamics.

Looking Ahead: Save the Date

MCEC is committed to continuing its mission to support military-connected children through future initiatives and events. We encourage all participants and supporters to stay engaged and look forward to next year’s MCEC Global Training Summit on July 7-9, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

About the Military Child Education Coalition

MCEC® is a 501(c)(3) global nonprofit leadership, service delivery, and advocacy organization. MCEC supports all military-connected children by educating, advocating, and collaborating to resolve education challenges associated with the military lifestyle. Learn more about the national advocacy efforts of MCEC at MilitaryChild.org and on social media at Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
Karen Kirk
Director of Marketing and Creative
Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC)
Email: Karen.Kirk@MilitaryChild.org
Phone: 254.953.1923 ext. 1123