S. 1895: Mental Health Excellence in Schools Act

The Mental Health Excellence in Schools Act aims to enhance mental health services within schools by establishing a program that encourages the recruitment and retention of qualified mental health professionals. This is accomplished through a collaboration between the federal government and higher education institutions. Below is a detailed summary of the bill:

Program Establishment

The bill proposes the creation of the Mental Health Excellence in Schools Program, managed by the Secretary of Education. This program allows eligible graduate institutions to partner with the Secretary to provide financial support for students pursuing graduate degrees in school-based mental health fields, which include school counseling, school psychology, and school social work.

Funding Contributions

The federal government will cover a portion of the students' cost of attendance, with the aim of these contributions being matched by participating graduate institutions. Each institution will outline how it will contribute financially, specify the maximum contribution per student per year, and determine the number of students it will assist each year.

Program Outreach

The Secretary is tasked with making information about participating institutions and the program's benefits publicly available on the Department of Education's website. There will also be efforts to reach out to certain undergraduate groups, particularly those who have received Federal Pell Grants or who attended specific educational institutions.

Contribution Requirements

Eligible institutions must agree to provide matched funding up to 50% of the costs for participating students. They are required to report annually on several metrics, including the number of students served and graduation rates.

Evaluations and Reports

After two years of the program's operation, the Secretary will submit an interim report to Congress detailing its effectiveness. Additionally, within four years of the program's implementation, an independent evaluation will assess its outcomes and suggest improvements. A report based on this evaluation will also be submitted to Congress.

Budget Provisions

To fund the program, the bill outlines specific appropriations, starting with $20 million for fiscal year 2026, increasing to $30 million for fiscal year 2027, and $50 million annually from fiscal years 2028 through 2030.

Key Definitions

The bill provides important definitions, such as:

• Cost of Attendance: Defined according to existing higher education regulations.
• Eligible Graduate Institution: Institutions offering specific accredited programs leading to graduate degrees in relevant mental health fields.
• Participating Student: Students enrolled in these institutions seeking degrees in school-based mental health.

Relevant Companies

None found