Preparing for the Future Act

This bill creates a federal grant program to help more people become school psychologists. Eligible college or graduate students could get $8,000 per year, up to $16,000 total for undergraduate or post‑baccalaureate study and up to $16,000 total for graduate study . The money can cover tuition and fees, and on‑campus room and board; awards are reduced for part‑time students and cannot exceed the school’s cost of attendance.

In return, students must work full time as a school psychologist in a public or nonprofit K–12 school for at least four school years within eight years after finishing their program, earn the required credential, and submit proof of employment . If they do not complete this service, the grant becomes a federal student loan they must repay, with interest starting from the award date; in some cases, the agency can reverse that conversion and extend the time to serve, and it may excuse part of the service for hardships .

Key points

• Who is affected: Undergraduate, post‑baccalaureate, and graduate students training to be school psychologists; public and nonprofit private K–12 schools where they will serve .
• What changes: Grants are paid through schools and can be paid directly to students if a school does not pass along funds; students must meet academic standards (good grades or strong test scores) and show a plan to earn their credential .
• When: Funding would begin January 1 of the year after the bill becomes law.
• Tracking results: Every two years, the agency reports on recipients, where they serve, school psychologist‑to‑student ratios, and changes in student well‑being .