Put School Counselors Where They’re Needed Act

This bill creates a pilot program to help low‑performing, Title I high schools hire more counselors so fewer students drop out. It responds to big gaps in on‑time graduation and very high student‑to‑counselor ratios, which average about 376 students per counselor; experts recommend no more than 250, and even fewer for students at risk . The goal is to put counselors where they’re most needed to boost graduation rates.

The program gives 4‑year competitive grants to Title I secondary schools with on‑time graduation rates of 60% or lower, to hire additional counselors and pay for related supports like professional development, home‑visit travel, tutoring, books, and materials . Counselors focus on students most at risk, ideally identified before 9th grade, and can keep helping them as long as needed, including after their expected graduation date. Support can include an individual graduation plan and regular meetings with teachers, parents, tutors, and others helping the student, such as mentors or employers.

Key points

• Who is affected: Title I high schools with very low on‑time graduation rates and the students most at risk of not graduating.
• What changes: Grants fund additional counselors and related supports; schools are encouraged to aim for one added counselor per 250 at‑risk students. Funds must add to, not replace, existing counseling staff .
• Scale and selection: At least 10 schools will be chosen; the first five must be from different states.
• Measuring progress: Schools can get up to two more grant periods if their on‑time graduation rate rises by 10% or more; a third grant tapers federal funds and requires more local funding.
• Funding and timing: Authorizes $5 million per year for fiscal years 2026–2029.