SMART Public Act (Student Mental Health Apprenticeship Program for Retention and Training)

Healthcare Industry

Associations

Organizations Involved

Michigan Association of School Psychologists, NASW Michigan, MASSW

Occupations Involved

School Psychology students

Workforce Development Focus

Increasing number of healthcare workers

Workforce Issues Addressed

Providing a benefit or incentive that encourages individuals to pursue a healthcare profession

Description

SMART was created to provide financial support to encourage more people to enter school-based mental health professions (School Psychology, School Counselling, and School Social Work). The SMART Program provides paid work experiences and practicum opportunities for School Psychology Graduate students. It's funded through the "Grow Your Own" program provided to each district/ ISD. Psychology graduate students earn $25/hour for 20 hours for 30 weeks, or equivalent to $15,000/ year.