McBride, Coons, Blunt Rochester welcome students statewide for 2026 Delaware Congressional Delegation Youth Conference

DOVER - On Monday, May 18, 2026, U.S. Representative Sarah McBride and U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.) welcomed more than 100 high school juniors and seniors from up and down Delaware for the 2026 Delaware Congressional Delegation Youth Conference at Wilmington University's Dover campus.

Students from schools throughout all three counties spent the day participating in discussions focused on civic engagement, leadership, and public service. Programming included a student town hall with members of Delaware's congressional delegation, interactive breakout sessions on public policy and school safety, and community service projects supporting the Food Bank of Delaware and Pressley Ridge-Delaware. Senator Coons led one of this year's breakout sessions, "Opportunity, Security and Justice," focused on the American dream, policymaking, and how young people can help shape the future of their communities and country. The other sessions were hosted by Wilmington Mayor John Carney (D), who presented "Pathways to Public Service," and State Representative Mike Smith (R-Pike Creek Valley), who presented "Safety at School."

"This annual event gives our congressional delegation the opportunity to hear directly from Delaware students about their concerns and their vision for a stronger future for our state and nation," said Rep. McBride. "Building that future starts with investing in young people and ensuring they have the support and space to lead with creativity, innovation, and compassion - today. I'm grateful to Senator Coons and Senator Blunt Rochester for their continued partnership in making this conference possible."

"Every year, this conference demonstrates how thoughtful, engaged, and motivated Delaware's young people are," said Senator Coons. "Students asked challenging questions, shared their perspectives openly, and showed a real commitment to improving their communities through service and civic participation. I'm grateful to Senator Blunt Rochester, Congresswoman McBride, Wilmington University, and all of our community partners for helping make this year's conference such a success."

"Our democracy is strongest when young people are engaged, informed, and empowered to lead," said Senator Blunt Rochester. "From their thoughtful questions to their bold ideas, these students remind me why I remain hopeful about the next generation of leaders. I'm grateful to Senator Coons and Congresswoman McBride for their partnership in continuing this important tradition of civic engagement and public service."

"I always love the chance to engage with students," said Rep. Smith. "I appreciate Senator Coons and his office affording me the opportunity. Students today are growing up in an ever-changing environment shaped by social media. These types of events are extremely important to break down the political divide and showcase the breadth and depth of what policymaking is all about. I really enjoyed the group I got to interact with, putting them through a thoughtful exercise of what considerations go into policymaking in a real world, practical way."

"Connecting with Delaware students is always a reminder that the future of our state is in good hands," said Mayor Carney. "Thank you to Delaware's congressional delegation for inviting me to share my path in public service, and for the opportunity to hear directly from students about their hopes for their futures and their communities."

The conference also included participation from local service organizations, volunteer groups, higher education representatives, and public service programs, giving students opportunities to explore future pathways in civic leadership and community engagement. For more photos from the event, [CLICK HERE].

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