Jhone M. Ebert Superintendent of Public Instruction | Nevada Department of Education Website
Two Nevada high school students have been chosen to represent the state as delegates at the 2026 United States Senate Youth Program. Kyle Allen, a senior at Carson High School, and Ethan Cohen, a junior at The Meadows School in Las Vegas, were selected from more than 60 applicants statewide.
Both students will receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship and will participate in Washington Week in March 2026. During this weeklong event in Washington, D.C., they will meet with U.S. Senators, Cabinet members, Supreme Court justices, and other senior officials.
U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto commented on the selection: “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. 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.”
Senator Jacky Rosen also extended her congratulations: “The United States Senate Youth Program is a great opportunity for Nevada students to learn about and explore a career in public service. 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!”
The program was established in 1962 by the Hearst Foundations as a nonpartisan initiative aimed at encouraging leadership and civic engagement among young people.
Dr. Victor Wakefield, Superintendent of Public Instruction, stated: “Kyle and Ethan demonstrate impressive leadership and civic engagement abilities, as well as academic excellence. I am proud that they will represent Nevada as delegates for the 2026 United States Senate Youth Program.”
Alternate delegates named are Celine Chang of Ed W. Clark High School and Rowan Muir of Davidson Academy.
Amanda Hughes, coordinator for Nevada’s United States Senate Youth Program and education programs professional for social studies at the Nevada Department of Education said: “Nevada’s applicants this year set an exceptionally high bar for civic leadership, service, and policy engagement. 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.”
Kyle Allen holds several leadership positions including state conference chair for Nevada Association of Student Councils; northern region vice president for Nevada FBLA; northern regional director for Nevada High School Democrats of America; student body president; senior director of yearbook; speech and debate captain; founder of Carson High School Democrats; volunteer with Sierra Nevada Forums; and member of National Honor Society.
Ethan Cohen serves as vice chair of the Nevada Youth Legislature representing over 30,000 students. He co-authored SB179 which defines antisemitism in state law—bipartisan legislation passed recently—and leads multiple youth-led initiatives related to education and community service.
Alternates Celine Chang is CEO/co-founder of ReadUp Youth—a nonprofit focusing on youth literacy—and developed an AI-powered reading app recognized for its innovation. She also sits on Clark County School District Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council addressing issues affecting more than 280,000 students.
Rowan Muir holds several school leadership roles focused on equity and community involvement while actively volunteering within their school community.
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