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Frequently used terms
Parent(s): the person legally caring for a migratory student; could be a guardian
Child/children: youth aged 0-21 who have not graduated from high school or earned a HSE certificate
Student: youth enrolled in a public school in Texas
If you see the words “English Only” next to a website, this means the resource does not have a translation option and is only available in English
If you see this icon, 
it means that the service or resource described is provided by
the MEP and only available to migratory students.
Is age 14–21
Does not have a U.S.-issued high school diploma or high school equivalency (HSE) diploma
Migrated to other states or within Texas to engage in agricultural or fishing work
OR
Migrated with a parent or spouse who engages in agricultural or fishing work
WE CAN HELP!
The Migrant Education Program (MEP) supports and may provide resources to out-of-school youth ages 14–21 who meet the definition of a “migratory child,” but who are not enrolled in school.
This could include youth who
- Have dropped out of school
- Have not graduated from a U.S. high school
- Are working on a high school equivalency (HSE) program credential outside of school
- Have not received a HSE diploma
- Are “here to work” only and have no intention of enrolling in school
Out-of-school youth who meet the definition of a “migratory child” as well as all other MEP eligibility criteria qualify for the MEP and its services.1
- Online high school equivalency (HSE) programs
- Nontraditional high school alternatives
- Programs to help with job readiness and training
- School-credit recovery to assist in completing high school
- Tutoring
- Adult education programs (English classes, financial literacy)
- Supplies required to participate in HSE program, school-credit recovery, tutoring
- Referrals to workforce solutions (youth programs, child care assistance, job training, and job search)
- Referrals to other support service agencies
Greater access to technology through computers, tablets, and even cell phones has increased educational opportunities for everyone. It has never been easier to earn a high school diploma, start or finish an HSE, and increase your earning potential. Education is more accessible than ever, and the MEP can help support your goals.
Next Steps
If someone you know needs any of these
services, contact the local Migrant
Education Program recruiter in your
school district. Call or email to request
information about the MEP and support
services available in your area.
If you do not have contact information for your
local MEP recruiter, complete this form.
RESOURCES FOR OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH
The plan to continue and complete your education will vary depending on your individual circumstances. The resources below may be helpful in determining your next steps. Feel free to reach out to your MEP recruiter for more information on these resources.
Premier High Schools Offers school-credit recovery and early graduation for students who thrive in smaller, independent learning environments. Also offers Career Technical Education (CTE) courses. Attend school around your work schedule; prepare for higher education.
GED Provides online resources to help you prepare for and earn a high school equivalency diploma.
High School Equivalency Program (HSEP) (English Only) Prepares eligible students to pass the high school equivalency exams instead of earning a high school diploma.
Adult Education and Literacy ProgramProvides English language, math, reading, and writing instruction to help youth who are at least 16 years old acquire the skills they need to succeed in the workforce, earn a high school equivalency diploma, or enter college or career training.
National Guard Youth ChallengeAssists 16 - 18-year-old high school dropouts with life skills, education, and self-discipline.
Instructional Services for Out-of-School and Secondary Youth (iSOSY)Provides resources and materials that help migratory students identify and achieve their academic and career goals.
Texas Workforce SolutionsProvides services that help workers find and keep good jobs. Offers career development information, job-search resources, and education and training programs. Also offers support services, including child care assistance for individuals participating in specific programs. prepare for higher education.
Job CorpsStudents ages 16–24 can earn a high school diploma, a high school equivalency credential, college credits, or career training. Students receive housing, meals, basic health care, a living allowance, training, and preparation for a career, all for free. For up to 21 months after graduation, a career transition counselor will help you or your child make the transition from Job Corps into the real world.
Motivation Education and Training (MET) Provides various services, including the National Farmworker Jobs program, and focuses on career development and educational achievement.
Goodwill (English Only) Helps overcome challenges, build skills, and find jobs. Also offers training and career advancement tools.
Department of Labor (English Only) Works to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights. Some handouts from this English site are available in Spanish at Español | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov).
Department of Labor Seasonal JobsIdentifies job opportunities in specific locations for seasonal workers.
HEALTH
National Center for Farmworker Health Migrant health centers around the country provide health care to farmworkers and their families.
Texas Health and Human Services-County Indigent Health Care Program Offers access to health care such as vaccines, medical screenings, physical examinations, laboratory, radiology, and other services to those who qualify.
Free Clinics (English Only) Directory of free and affordable health care clinics in Texas.
MENTAL HEALTH
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)NAMI Texas has a variety of education and support programs for individuals living with mental illness, family members, friends, professionals, and the community, to address the mental health needs of Texans.
Mental Health America (MHA) (English Only) Addresses the needs of people living with mental illness through advocacy, education, research, and services.
Mental Health Clinic List for TexasFree, low-cost, or sliding scale fee mental health clinics in Texas. Clinics are listed in alphabetical order by city.
Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative. Can offer support from someone who can help. This resource can also help users find and receive services from a local community center.
Texas Legal Services Center Provides legal advice, education, and representation for free if you qualify.
Catholic Charities USA (English Only) Provides various services such as emergency shelter, immigration advocacy, food and nutrition assistance, and other resources.
Head Start Program provides support in areas such as language, literacy, and social-emotional development in children from birth to age 5 from low-income families.
Feeding AmericaA nationwide network of programs that help people find food and grocery assistance in their communities.
Salvation Army USA (English Only) The Salvation Army provides resources to help people escape poverty. Resources may include shelters, food pantries, help for domestic abuse or human trafficking, after-school programs, LGBTQ support, job training, and disaster relief.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (English Only) Provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of families in need so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency.
2-1-1 Texas (English Only) Helps Texans connect with the services they need. 2-1-1 Texas is a free and anonymous social service hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Findhelp.org A resource that helps users search for and find support for various free or reduced-cost social programs in their area.
The Migrant Legal Action Program (MLAP) works to enforce rights and improve public policies that affect farmworker working and housing conditions, education, health, nutrition, and employment.
The Texas Migrant Family Helpline offers assistance to families by providing referrals for services for health care, housing, transportation, and school enrollment. The helpline is available nationwide Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Central Time, and can be reached at (888) 984-6251.
Show references
1 Texas Education Agency, 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 Texas Manual for the Identification and Recruitment of Migrant Children (Texas Education Agency, 2019), 4.35.