Former GCE-US Youth Advocate Alex King shares his inspiring journey of finding confidence and purpose through advocacy. In this Q&A, Alex reflects on the experiences that shaped his leadership, the importance of youth voices in advancing educational equity, and the impact of speaking up for issues he cares about. His story offers valuable insights into how advocacy can empower young people to create meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us what you’re doing now?
My name is Alex King. I currently work as a Special Education Paraprofessional with Livonia Public Schools (Michigan). My career today continues to reflect the values I first strengthened through my experience with GCE-US as a youth advocate in the summer of 2015.
What first inspired you to become involved with GCE-US?
I first became involved with GCE-US after a friend encouraged me to apply to the youth advocacy program because of my passion for community involvement and advocacy. The opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., meet with members of Congress, and advocate for global education immediately stood out to me. It was an experience that allowed me to see firsthand how ordinary citizens can have meaningful conversations with policymakers and advocate for positive change.
How has your experience with GCE-US influenced your career?
One of the experiences I remember most from GCE-US was meeting with my congressional representative. Although we came from different political backgrounds, he was open to hearing our perspectives on education. That meeting demonstrated that advocacy can bring people together across political differences and reinforced the importance of respectful, bipartisan dialogue. It showed me that elected officials are willing to listen when constituents take the initiative to share their experiences and concerns.
My time with GCE-US had a lasting impact on both my career and my civic engagement. The program strengthened my passion for education and inspired me to stay active in public service. Since participating in GCE-US, I have continued working in education, remained politically engaged, and even ran for City Council in my hometown of Livonia, Michigan. While I did not win, the confidence I gained through advocacy experiences like GCE-US gave me the courage to put myself forward as a candidate and serve my community in new ways.
GCE-US also reinforced my belief that education is one of the most powerful tools for creating stronger communities. Education gives people the knowledge and confidence to participate in civic life, advocate for themselves and others, and become engaged citizens. Those lessons continue to influence both my professional work and my volunteer service today.
Do you see connections between the education advocacy you did with GCE-US and the work you do now?
After my involvement with GCE-US, I participated in service through AmeriCorps and worked with nonprofit organizations focused on education. These experiences complemented what I learned through GCE-US by showing me how advocacy and direct service work together to create lasting change. My Jesuit education further strengthened my commitment to serving others, a value that aligns closely with GCE-US’s mission of ensuring every child has access to quality education.
What does meaningful advocacy mean to you?
One of the greatest lessons GCE-US taught me was that meaningful advocacy requires showing up. Whether meeting with members of Congress, attending town halls, or participating in community conversations, every interaction is an opportunity to make your voice heard. GCE-US demonstrated that advocacy is not limited to elected officials or policy experts—it belongs to everyone who is willing to speak up for others.
How does education contribute to stronger communities and more effective civic participation?
The relationships I built through GCE-US also showed me the importance of collaboration. Working alongside students from across the country who shared a passion for educational equity reminded me that meaningful change happens when people come together around a common goal. Those experiences continue to shape how I approach leadership, service, and community engagement today.
What advice would you give future GCE-US Youth Advocates?
My advice to future GCE-US participants is to fully embrace every opportunity the program provides. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, step outside your comfort zone, and advocate for issues you care about. The experience is about much more than visiting Capitol Hill—it’s about developing the confidence to use your voice, building relationships with other advocates, and realizing that every person has the ability to create change. GCE-US gave me the foundation to continue serving my community long after the program ended, and I encourage every participant to take advantage of everything the experience has to offer.
