Boosting Mental Health Staff in Low-Income Schools via Grants and Loan Repayment.
This Act aims to significantly increase the number of mental health providers (counselors, social workers, psychologists) in schools serving low-income communities. It authorizes competitive grants for school districts and universities to establish training and recruitment programs. Crucially, it offers up to $200,000 in student loan repayment for professionals who commit to five years of service in these high-need schools, directly improving student access to vital support.
Key points
Establishes a student loan repayment program offering up to $200,000 for mental health providers who work for 5 consecutive years in low-income school districts.
Authorizes $200 million annually for grants to fund internships, subsidized salaries (up to 3 years), and recruitment efforts in high-need schools.
The goal is to help schools meet recommended student-to-provider ratios (e.g., 1 school psychologist per 500 students).
Loan repayment benefits under this Act can be combined with the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
Status:
Introduced
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