Bill > A06402

This bill establishes the Student Mental Health Apprenticeship Retention and Training (SMART) internship grant program designed to support graduate-level mental health professional students working in public schools. The program provides financial support to designated recipients (students in school counseling, social work, or psychology programs) who intern in public schools, offering either $25 per hour or a $15,000 lump sum for up to 20 hours per week over a 30-week period. To qualify, students must be in a supervised role and meet additional criteria, such as interning in a critical shortage discipline, a school with a high percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals, or a school that received specific funding. Recipients are required to work in a public school for at least three years after receiving the grant. The bill also provides grants to field supervisors (up to $250 per supervised student) and allows for potential debt or expense repayments. The Department of Education will administer the program, evaluate participants through existing certification processes, and report on the program's status and outcomes to state leadership annually. The program aims to address mental health professional shortages and provide meaningful internship experiences in school settings.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6402