Bill > S02046

This bill establishes two new educational programs - the Mental Health Educational Opportunity Program and the Mental Health Higher Educational Opportunity Program - designed to help economically and educationally disadvantaged students pursue mental health professional degrees. The programs will be implemented at State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York (CUNY) public colleges, as well as non-public colleges incorporated by the regents. The bill outlines a comprehensive framework where participating universities will provide screening, testing, counseling, tutoring, and assistance to eligible students who have a high school diploma or equivalency and show potential for completing mental health licensure programs. The commissioner of education will develop a general plan including student eligibility criteria, selection procedures, program contents, cost estimates, and evaluation methods. State appropriations can be used for special testing, remedial courses, tutoring, guidance services, and supplemental financial assistance, but cannot support regular academic programs. Participating universities must submit annual reports detailing program operations, expenditures, student progress, and other key metrics. The programs aim to expand educational opportunities for students interested in mental health professions by providing targeted support and resources to help them succeed in their academic pursuits.