Bill > A03607

This bill establishes two new programs, the Mental Health Educational Opportunity Program and the Mental Health Higher Educational Opportunity Program, aimed at increasing educational access for students pursuing careers in mental health professions. These programs will provide special support, including screening, testing, counseling, and tutoring, to economically and educationally disadvantaged state residents who have a high school diploma or equivalent and show potential for success in these fields. The Mental Health Educational Opportunity Program will involve colleges and universities within the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY) systems, while the Mental Health Higher Educational Opportunity Program will include non-public colleges and universities chartered by the Board of Regents. A general plan, developed by the commissioner in consultation with these institutions, will outline program specifics like eligibility, student selection, program content, costs, objectives, and evaluation procedures, and this plan will be reviewed and approved by the regents. State funds allocated to these programs can be used for services like screening, remedial and developmental courses, tutoring, counseling, central administrative costs, and supplemental financial aid for students, including those without lawful immigration status if they meet specific criteria, but not for regular academic programs or those incompatible with the regents' higher education plan. Participating institutions will be required to submit annual reports detailing program operations, expenditures, student progress, and other relevant information.