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The Flagship National Convening for Military-Connected Children
Military Child World Expo
What Is the Military Child World Expo?
The Military Child World Expo is the flagship national convening of the Military Child World Expo Foundation (MCWEF), the National Association for Military-Connected Children.
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The Expo serves as the primary public platform through which MCWEF convenes families, youth, institutions, and partners to elevate the visibility, voices, and experiences of military-connected children.
Why the Expo Exists
Military-connected children grow up navigating service, mobility, and global experience, often without a dedicated public platform that recognizes their unique identity.
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The Military Child World Expo exists to:
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Provide national visibility for military-connected children
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Create a welcoming civic space centered on belonging
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Elevate youth voices through culture, learning, and expression
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Connect families and communities across sectors
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Affirm that military-connected children are a distinct and valued community
Who the Expo Serves
The Military Child World Expo is designed for:
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Military-connected children and youth
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Families and caregivers
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Educators and schools
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Community and cultural organizations
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Civic, institutional, and philanthropic partners
The Expo is intentionally accessible and open to the public.
What Makes the Expo Distinct
1 / The Military Child World Expo is:
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Free to attend
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Youth-centered, not service-centered
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Culturally focused, not transactional
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Inclusive of civilian families alongside military-connected families
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Place-based, anchored in Arlington, Virginia, the Home of the Military Child
Programming includes cultural expression, arts & humanities, education, caregiver recognition, youth engagement, and community connection.
2 / A Flagship Program of MCWEF
The Military Child World Expo is the flagship national convening of the Military Child World Expo Foundation (MCWEF), the National Association for Military-Connected Children.
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While the Expo is a central public platform, it represents one expression of MCWEF’s broader, year-round mission and initiatives.
3 / Anchored in the Home of the Military Child
The Expo is hosted in Arlington, Virginia, recognized as the Home of the Military Child. This place-based identity reflects Arlington’s connection to national service, military families, and civic stewardship.
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Anchoring the Expo in Arlington provides continuity, legitimacy, and a civic home for national recognition efforts.
Learn More & Participate
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Explore Initiatives (Teen Caregiver Community Service Hours, Arts & Humanities)
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Become a Partner or Sponsor
Acknowledgment
The Military Child World Expo was originally created by the Military Children’s Six Foundation (MC6) and is now governed and operated by the Military Child World Expo Foundation (MCWEF) as a permanent national institution.