December 11, 2025

CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Nevada Department of Education is proud to announce that two outstanding student leaders will represent Nevada as delegates to the 2026 United States Senate Youth Program.

Nevada’s delegates are Kyle Allen, a senior at Carson High School (Carson City School District) and Ethan Cohen, a junior at The Meadows School in Las Vegas.

Kyle and Ethan will receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship and join peers from across the nation on a weeklong educational experience in March 2026 in Washington, D.C.

“I’m proud to congratulate Kyle Allen from Carson City and Ethan Cohen from Las Vegas, Nevada’s delegates to the 2026 United States Senate Youth Program,” said U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto. “These outstanding students have demonstrated a deep commitment to their communities and an inspiring passion for public service. I know they will represent Nevada well during Washington Week, and I look forward to seeing all they will accomplish in the years ahead.”

During Washington Week, delegates will interact with U.S. Senators, members of the Cabinet, Supreme Court justices, and other high-ranking officials.

“The United States Senate Youth Program is a great opportunity for Nevada students to learn about and explore a career in public service,” said U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen. “I want to extend my congratulations to this year’s delegates who will be representing our great state. We can’t wait to have them in Washington!”

Established in 1962 and sponsored by the Hearst Foundations, the United States Senate Youth Program is a nonpartisan initiative designed to foster leadership, civic engagement, and public service in America’s youth.

“Kyle and Ethan demonstrate impressive leadership and civic engagement abilities, as well as academic excellence,” said Dr. Victor Wakefield, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “I am proud that they will represent Nevada as delegates for the 2026 United States Senate Youth Program.”

The alternate delegates are Celine Chang, a senior at Ed. W. Clark High School (Clark County School District) and Rowan Muir, a senior at Davidson Academy in Reno.

This year, Nevada received more than 60 applications from students across the state.

Following a rigorous multistep review — including nomination, written application, a statewide judging panel, and virtual interviews — two delegates and two alternates were selected.

“Nevada’s applicants this year set an exceptionally high bar for civic leadership, service, and policy engagement,” said Amanda Hughes, Nevada’s United States Senate Youth Program coordinator and education programs professional for social studies at the Nevada Department of Education. “All four students stand out not only because of their achievements, but because of the way they lead — with purpose, empathy, and a clear commitment to strengthening their communities. It is an honor to support their journey as they represent Nevada on the national stage.”

About the Delegates

• Kyle Allen, senior at Carson High School (Carson City School District)

Kyle holds leadership roles across multiple state-level organizations. He serves as state conference chair for Nevada Association of Student Councils, northern region vice president for Nevada FBLA, and northern regional director for Nevada High School Democrats of America.

At Carson High School, he is student body president, senior director of yearbook, speech and debate captain, and founder of Carson High School Democrats.

Kyle also volunteers with Sierra Nevada Forums and is a member of the National Honor Society.

• Ethan Cohen, junior at The Meadows School in Las Vegas

Ethan is recognized statewide for his leadership in civic engagement and youth advocacy. He serves as vice chair of the Nevada Youth Legislature, representing more than 30,000 students.

Ethan is the co-author of SB179, bipartisan legislation codifying Nevada’s first state definition of antisemitism.

He also leads multiple youth-led initiatives focused on education, leadership development, and community service.

About the Alternates

• Celine Chang, senior at Ed W. Clark High School (Clark County School District)

Celine Chang is the CEO and co-founder of ReadUp Youth, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the youth literacy crisis through community partnerships and technology.

Celine also developed an AI-powered reading app that has been recognized for its creative approach to supporting struggling readers.

As a student representative on the Clark County School District Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, she provides feedback on issues affecting more than 280,000 students, offering recommendations to district leadership on policy, equity, and student well-being.

• Rowan Muir, senior at Davidson Academy in Reno

Rowan serves in multiple leadership roles at their school and contribute to initiatives that promote equity, community engagement, and student involvement in local decision-making.

Rowan’s dedication to public service is reflected in their volunteer work and advocacy efforts, where they consistently seek opportunities to strengthen their school and wider community.

For more information, visit the Nevada Department of Education’s United States Senate Youth Program page.

Attachments

• Photos of Nevada’s delegates

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About the Nevada Department of Education

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada’s 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators. Learn more at https://doe.nv.gov/ and join us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.