Bill > HR3534

This bill establishes the Mental Health in Schools Excellence Program, a federal initiative designed to address the shortage of mental health professionals in schools by providing financial incentives for graduate students pursuing careers in school-based mental health services. The program creates a public-private partnership where eligible graduate institutions (those offering accredited programs in school psychology, counseling, social work, or related mental health fields) can enter into agreements with the Department of Education to help cover students' cost of attendance. The Secretary of Education will match contributions made by these institutions, providing up to 50% of a student's cost of attendance. The bill specifically prioritizes outreach to students who previously received Pell Grants or attended certain historically underserved institutions, with the goal of increasing the diversity and availability of school-based mental health service providers. The program defines participating students as those enrolled in graduate degree programs preparing for state licensing examinations in school-based mental health fields, and aims to create a sustainable pipeline of qualified professionals who can support students' mental health needs in educational settings.

Education

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3534/all-info