Mental Health Career Promotion Act

More mental-health career programs for students

This bill would create a new HHS grant program to promote careers in mental and behavioral health for students in grades 9–12 and at public junior or community colleges. Grants would go to partnerships that include local or State schools, a public junior or community college, and a community-based mental health or similar partner. Grants would fund classroom talks, internships, shadowing, mentorships, and other developmentally, linguistically, and culturally appropriate activities. Each grant would run five years and be renewable. Recipients could not spend more than 10 percent of grant funds on data collection and measurement. The Secretary would have to ensure geographic diversity of awards, may help high-need schools and colleges seek grants, must set common outcome measures, require annual reports, and report to Congress within one year and annually after. The bill would authorize $50 million each year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.