Military Child Education Coalition

09/25/2026

For military-connected students navigating a new school, it is often the small things that help the most. A morning routine. A familiar item on the desk. A question that sparks a first conversation.

That is the heart of the Start With Hi campaign; helping students, parents, and educators find simple, low-pressure ways to build connection from day one.

Free resources are available now at militarychild.org/start-with-hi/

Every checklist, toolkit, or "you've got this" moment is made possible by people who show up for military kids all year long. Support the mission at militarychild.org/donate.

09/24/2026

Military-connected children are often praised for their resilience.

And they are resilient.

But resilience should not be the only support plan.

These children navigate school transitions, new communities, family separations, deployments, reunions, changing routines, and the constant work of starting over.

That kind of childhood requires more than encouragement. It requires real support from the people, schools, and communities around them.

MCEC works to help provide that support through programs, resources, and connection for military-connected students, families, educators, and communities.

When you give to MCEC, you help ensure military-connected children are not left to navigate transition alone.

You help build the support around their resilience.

Support the children of those who serve.

In partnership with Columbia Southern University: The Military Child Education Coalition Heroic Hearts Scholarship, designed to support a member of the military caregiving population.

09/22/2026

Military Child Education Coalition® is proud to announce a mainstage session at the 2026 ADC Installation Innovation Forum in Tampa, Florida.

On October 26-28, MCEC President and CEO Mary Bier and Dr. Leanne Knobloch will take the stage for "From Belonging to Service: How Defense Communities Build Future Leaders" — a session drawing from MCEC's Student 2 Student® alumni research to explore how belonging, connection, and leadership experiences among military-connected students contribute to future service and leadership.

When defense communities invest in military-connected students, they are not just supporting families. They are shaping the next generation of leaders.

We look forward to the conversation in Tampa.

09/21/2026

The first few weeks of school can bring a lot of change — new routines, new classmates, new teachers, and new places to find support.

For military-connected students, a simple check-in can help make the transition feel a little more manageable. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or counselor, these questions can open the door to meaningful conversations after the first day has passed.

Because support doesn’t stop after the first hello.

09/18/2026

Happy Birthday to the United States Air Force!

Since September 18, 1947, the men and women of the Air Force have defended our skies, projected power across the globe, and answered the call to serve with excellence.

To every Airman and Air Force family in the Military Child Education Coalition® community — thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and everything you give to this nation.

We are honored to serve the children and families who make it all possible.

09/16/2026

Do you know a high school student who is quietly showing up every day for a wounded, ill, or injured veteran at home?

These young people, known as Hidden Helpers, carry a weight most people their age never will. The Caregiving Youth Student Leadership Program® was built specifically for them.

MCEC® is still accepting applications for this fully funded, 5-day leadership experience at the University of Texas at San Antonio. October 2-6, 2026. No cost to the family. Round-trip flights, hotel, meals, and activities all covered by MCEC.

Students will engage in leadership activities, team building, guest speakers, and sessions designed to prepare them for life after high school, surrounded by peers who understand their experience.

Applications are open now. Questions? Reach out to [email protected].
Apply at https://heyor.ca/iOyfQX

Listen to our recent podcast to hear a personal Caregiving Youth Story at https://militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/mcec-podcast/

09/16/2026

Mark your calendars for our upcoming September webinars.

Helping Military-Connected Teens Develop Independence 💪 | Tuesday, September 15
Sometimes, the diploma is the easiest part. Let's talk about everything else that nobody prepares them for.

Understanding Behavior Changes in Military Children 💜 | Wednesday, September 16
Your kid isn't "acting out" — they're processing something big without the words for it yet. Let's talk about what change really looks like.

Reconnecting After Deployment 🎖️ | Wednesday, September 30
The reunion is the easy part to plan for. Renegotiating routines and closeness after? That's the real work. Let's talk about it.

All webinars are presented live at Noon EST.
Sign up for FREE here:

MCEC Webinars: Timely topics, trusted experts, real support for military families.

09/13/2026

Military grandparents often play an extraordinary role, providing stability, love, and consistency for military-connected grandchildren through deployments, moves, and everything in between. Today we celebrate you.

From all of us at Military Child Education Coalition®, thank you for the love you give to military kids every single day.

09/10/2026

Military-connected children experience change in ways that are often unseen by those outside the military community.

A donation to MCEC helps ensure these children, along with their families, educators, and communities, have access to resources and programs designed to support them through each transition.

Every gift helps strengthen the network around the children of those who serve.

Give today: https://bit.ly/3UItYO8

09/10/2026

Applications are still open for MCEC's Caregiving Youth Student Leadership Program, a fully funded 5-day leadership experience at the University of Texas at San Antonio this October.

Caregiving youth, also known as Hidden Helpers, are high school students who are actively involved in supporting a wounded, ill, or injured veteran in their home. This program was built specifically for them. Students will engage in leadership activities, team building, guest speaker sessions, and lessons designed to prepare them for life after high school, all at no cost to their family.
MCEC covers round-trip flights, hotel, meals, and activities for the full 5 days.

October 2-6, 2026 | University of Texas at San Antonio

Student/Parent Application and Adult Recommendation links are in the flyer below. Questions? Contact [email protected]

Learn more at MilitaryChild.org