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119-hr-3511119th CongressWALLET

Preparing for the Future Act

Sponsored By: Representative Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would create a federal grant program for school psychologists to pay trainees at approved programs and place them in high-need Title I schools. Grants would be $8,000 per year and recipients would agree to serve four full academic years in a covered school or have the award converted to a loan.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Up to $16,000 for school psychologists

If enacted, the government would offer grants to students training to be school psychologists through eligible colleges. You could get $8,000 per eligible year, up to $16,000 total. Money could only pay tuition, fees, and room and board in school-owned housing. Some remedial or study-abroad courses could count if your school allows it. The program would start January 1 after enactment and would need funding from Congress. You would need to apply and sign the required agreement.

Miss service? Grants become loans

If you do not meet the service duty, your grants would turn into Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans. You would owe back the grant amounts as loan principal, with interest from each grant date. Repayment terms would be set by the Assistant Secretary in rules, after consulting the Secretary of Education.

Four-year service for grant recipients

If you take the grant, you would commit to work full time as a school psychologist in a covered school. You would need to serve at least 4 academic years within 8 years after finishing the funded program. You must hold the required state credential and submit employer certification as instructed.

GPA and test rules for grants

To qualify, you would need to be an eligible student and meet an academic bar. Most applicants would need a GPA about 3.25 on a 4.0 scale, or a test score above the 75th percentile. First-year undergrads would use their high school GPA. You would have to file a course plan that shows how you will earn the school psychologist credential. Filing dates and other standards would be set by the Assistant Secretary.

Recheck and cancel wrongful loan conversions

If your grants were converted to loans, you could ask the Assistant Secretary to reconsider. They would have to decide within 90 days after your request. If they find an error or valid reason and that you met or are meeting service, they must cancel the conversion, remove interest and fees, fix credit reports, and return or reapply any payments. They could extend your time to finish service. Any qualifying service you already did would still count.

Covered-school list, notices, and reports

The Assistant Secretary would set program rules and publish a sortable, searchable list of covered schools each year. Recipients would get yearly notices on how and when to submit employment certification. If an employer closes or refuses to certify, an alternative proof process would be provided. The Assistant Secretary would report program results to Congress every two years.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]

NJ • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Friedman, Laura [D-CA-30]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 5/20/2025

  • Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]

    DC • D

    Sponsored 6/26/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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