The bill would create a federal scholarship program for full-time students in approved programs that lead to substance use, behavioral health, or mental health treatment work. Scholarships could cover tuition, fees, books, and other reasonable education expenses. In return, recipients would agree to work full-time in qualifying positions for one year for each school year of scholarship support. Work could be in a designated mental health professional shortage area, certain places with high overdose death rates, or other facilities approved by the Secretary. The bill would also exclude these scholarships from recipients’ gross income for tax purposes.
Eligible students would need to apply, sign a service contract, stay enrolled, and maintain acceptable academic standing. Their service commitment would be based on the number of school years funded. The bill gives priority to applicants likely to keep serving in shortage areas and applicants from groups underrepresented in the workforce.
The bill authorizes $75 million for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030. Scholarship payments would depend on available appropriations. The bill also authorizes a fund that could help health entities recruit replacement professionals when a scholarship recipient breaches a contract.
The bill states that the program is intended to help ensure an adequate supply of professionals in substance use treatment and behavioral and mental health services.
No publicly available information.