Bill > S01003

This bill establishes a new school-based mental health loan repayment program designed to address the youth mental health crisis and professional shortage in New York state schools. The program will provide competitive loan repayment awards of up to $30,000 annually to eligible applicants who are youth mental health professionals (including school psychologists, counselors, and social workers) willing to work for at least four years in underserved schools. To qualify, applicants must be New York state residents with outstanding student loan debt, have graduated from a regents-approved higher education institution, and commit to working in schools with student-to-mental-health-professional ratios below recommended levels. The awards will be disbursed in stages: 30% in the first year, 30% in the second year, and the remaining balance in the third year, with recipients potentially eligible for additional awards. The program aims to incentivize mental health professionals to work in schools that have the greatest need for such support, thereby helping to address the mental health challenges facing youth in vulnerable communities.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1003