Bill > A09379

This bill establishes a pilot program to provide stipends to students enrolled in accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) programs in New York State who are required to complete a field practicum, which is a supervised practical training component of their degree. The program, administered by the Office of Mental Health, will offer a stipend of $4,500, paid at a rate of $10 per hour, for the first 450 hours of a student's field practicum, starting in the fall of 2026 and continuing until the spring of 2030 or until the student completes the 450 hours. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a registered MSW program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education and complete their practicum within New York State. Students receiving $4,500 or more in other funding for their practicum are ineligible, while those receiving less will receive the difference to reach $4,500. Recipients must agree to work in New York State as a social worker for one year after graduation. The Office of Mental Health will collect data on the program's impact, including its effect on applications, enrollment demographics, student debt, and workforce retention, and will submit a report with recommendations for expansion by December 1, 2030.