Mental Health Excellence in Schools Act

This bill, titled the "Mental Health Excellence in Schools Act," establishes a new program designed to significantly increase the number of school-based mental health service providers. The core mechanism involves a public-private partnership where the Secretary of Education can match contributions made by eligible graduate institutions towards the cost of attendance for participating students. This matching contribution can cover up to 50 percent of a student's expenses, aiming to alleviate financial barriers for those pursuing careers in school-based mental health. The program targets graduate students enrolled in accredited programs for school psychology, counseling, social work, and other specified school-based mental health fields. The Secretary is directed to conduct outreach, prioritizing students who previously received Federal Pell Grants or attended certain institutions as undergraduates. Participating institutions are required to submit annual reports detailing student numbers, tuition coverage, and post-graduate employment, ensuring accountability and program effectiveness. The bill also mandates an independent national evaluation of the program's outcomes and authorizes substantial appropriations, starting at $20 million for fiscal year 2026 and rising to $50 million annually by fiscal years 2028 through 2030, to support this critical initiative.