Education: school districts; student mental health apprenticeship retention and training (SMART) internship grant program; modify. Amends sec. 3 of 2022 PA 180 (MCL 388.1953).

This bill modifies an existing grant program in Michigan to provide financial support for graduate students in mental health professional programs who complete internships in public schools. The legislation allows eligible students to receive up to $15,000 in funding, paid either as $25 per hour for up to 20 hours weekly over a 30-week period or as a lump sum at the end of the term. To qualify, students must serve in supervised roles such as substitute teachers or paraprofessionals in schools that meet specific criteria, including those designated as critical shortage areas or with high percentages of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. In exchange for the grant, recipients are required to commit to working in a public school for at least three years after completing their internship.