H.R. 3511: Preparing for the Future Act

This legislation, titled the Preparing for the Future Act, aims to establish a grant program within the Public Health Service Act that specifically targets students pursuing degrees in school psychology. It focuses on providing financial support to facilitate the education of future school psychologists, with the intent of addressing the growing need for mental health professionals in schools.

Key Provisions of the Bill

1. Grant Program Establishment

The bill directs the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use to set up a grant program for eligible students. Students attending eligible institutions can apply for grants worth $8,000 per year, up to a total of $16,000 for their educational expenses.

2. Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the grants, students must:

• Be enrolled in an accredited institution that offers programs in school psychology.
• Maintain a certain academic standard, roughly equivalent to a grade point average of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale.
• Provide a detailed educational plan outlining their coursework and steps to obtaining a school psychologist credential.

3. Service Obligation

Grant recipients must agree to serve as full-time school psychologists in designated "covered schools" for at least four academic years within eight years of completing their degree. If recipients fail to fulfill this obligation, the grants will convert into loans that must be repaid.

4. Covered Schools Definition

A covered school is defined as a public or nonprofit private elementary or secondary school that has a student-to-school psychologist ratio of greater than 500:1 and is located in a district eligible for Title I assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

5. Funding and Appropriation

The bill authorizes the appropriation of funds starting the year after the bill is enacted, to ensure that these grants can be awarded to eligible institutions and students.

6. Program Monitoring and Reporting

The Assistant Secretary is required to submit reports every two years to Congress, detailing the allocations of grants and the performance of grant recipients, including their employment status and impact on student well-being in schools where they serve.

Potential Impact on Educational Landscape

This legislation could increase the number of qualified school psychologists available to serve in schools, particularly in high-need areas, thereby potentially improving mental health support for students. By easing financial burdens on students pursuing these careers, the bill hopes to attract and retain talent in school psychology, addressing shortages in the field.

Relevant Companies

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