Summary

Creates a federal "Mental Health Excellence in Schools Program" at the Department of Education that partners with eligible graduate institutions to share the cost of attendance for participating graduate students who are training to be school-based mental health providers. Participating institutions enter cost‑sharing agreements with the Secretary, must report annually, and the Department must conduct interim and independent evaluations and report findings to Congress. The bill also defines eligible institutions, participating students, and covered school‑based mental health fields, and it authorizes funding for fiscal years 2026–2030 (amounts specified in the text).

Key Points

• Creates the Mental Health Excellence in Schools Program to share cost of attendance for graduate students training as school‑based mental health providers.
• Requires eligible graduate institutions to enter cost‑sharing agreements with the Secretary that set contributions, limits, and student selection priorities.
• Institutions must file annual reports; the Department must produce interim and independent evaluations and report results to Congress.
• Defines eligible institutions, participating students, and covered school‑based mental health fields by reference to existing law and accrediting bodies.
• Authorizes funding for fiscal years 2026–2030 (specific amounts are provided in the bill).
• Focuses federal support on expanding placement-ready school counselors, psychologists, social workers, and related providers in K–12 settings.
• Builds oversight and accountability into the program via required reporting and independent evaluation.
• Program relies on institutional participation and cost sharing—federal dollars supplement but do not fully replace institutional or student costs.

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