NY A09980

Authorizes the commissioner to award grants to degree-granting institutions or consortia in New York State to increase access for underrepresented or disadvantaged students to registered post-baccalaureate programs preparing students for mental health profession licensure.

Allows grant funds to support recruitment, academic enrichment, career planning, supplemental financial assistance, licensing exam review, and program administration for eligible graduate and doctoral students.

Establishes eligibility requirements including New York State residency (or equivalent status), full-time enrollment in approved graduate/doctoral programs, good academic standing, and either economic disadvantage or membership in currently underrepresented groups in licensed mental health professions.

Extends eligibility to non-resident applicants including U.S. citizens, permanent residents, individuals with U or T visa status, temporary protected status, paroled refugees, and undocumented immigrants who meet specific criteria related to New York State high school attendance or tuition residency status.

Requires participating institutions to submit reports to the commissioner and mandates annual reporting to the Regents on program effectiveness, student enrollment numbers, and future plans.