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Highly Mobile and At-Risk (HMAR) Student Programs

HMAR Student Programs

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Welcome to ESC18’s Highly Mobile and At-Risk (HMAR) Student Programs page. We are honored to partner with districts and campuses in supporting students whose educational journeys are impacted by mobility, family transitions, or other at-risk circumstances.

As your Regional HMAR team, we recognize the diverse challenges faced by students experiencing homelessness, those in foster care, military-connected families, pregnant or parenting students, and youth at risk of dropping out. Our goal is to provide practical guidance, technical assistance, and resources that empower school systems to identify, support, and serve these students with consistency and compassion.

Together, we can remove barriers, strengthen systems of support, and ensure that every highly mobile and at-risk student has access to the full range of educational opportunities they deserve.

With gratitude for your partnership,

Angie Balderrama and Priscilla Gray

Angie and Pris

Region 18 Education Service Center serves as a trusted partner to school systems across our region. Our mission is to provide high-quality services, training, and technical assistance that strengthen school system capacity and improve student outcomes.

The Highly Mobile and At-Risk (HMAR) Programs at Region 18 ESC include:

  • McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth – ensuring that students experiencing homelessness are identified, enrolled, and supported in alignment with federal law.
  • Foster Care – supporting students in foster care placements by collaborating with liaisons and schools to provide educational stability.
  • Military-Connected Students – recognizing and addressing the unique needs of students whose parents or guardians serve in the armed forces.
  • Pregnancy Related Services (PRS) – ensuring pregnant and parenting students have access to academic instruction and support services that help them stay on track for graduation.
  • Dropout Prevention – partnering with schools to identify risk factors early and implement strategies to keep students engaged and on a path to success.

Our team supports school systems by:

  • Offering training and technical assistance on program requirements
  • Providing resources and tools to strengthen compliance and service delivery
  • Collaborating with school systems to remove barriers to enrollment, attendance, and achievement
  • Connecting families and students with community and regional supports tailored to their needs

Through these efforts, Region 18 ESC is committed to building awareness, strengthening compliance, and most importantly, ensuring that every student, no matter their circumstance, has the opportunity to succeed.