Bill Overview
Title: Minority Fellowship Program Reauthorization Act of 2022
Description: This bill reauthorizes through FY2027 the Minority Fellowship Program carried out by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The program supports the education and training of minority students who are studying for advanced degrees in a mental or behavioral health profession.
Sponsors: Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]
Target Audience
Population: Minority students pursuing advanced degrees in mental or behavioral health professions
Estimated Size: 500000
- The Minority Fellowship Program specifically targets minority students pursuing advanced degrees in mental or behavioral health professions.
- The impact will be primarily on students from racial or ethnic minority groups that are underrepresented in the mental or behavioral health fields globally.
- The program is U.S.-based, influencing educational institutions and students within the country.
Reasoning
- The Minority Fellowship Program is likely to have a varying impact on different minority students based on their current educational status, financial condition, and career stage.
- Some individuals, such as those not pursuing advanced degrees or not in the mental and behavioral health field, may see no direct impact.
- The program's budget constraints also mean that it can only support a limited number of students, thus the impact on the overall target population will be uneven but can be substantial for those selected.
- Financial support from the program can alleviate tuition and living expenses, enhancing the overall wellbeing and educational attainment for selected minorities.
- The program can increase the diversity in the mental health professional workforce, which can contribute to more culturally competent care for broader populations.
Simulated Interviews
Graduate Student (New York, NY)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this program is fantastic. There aren't many funds dedicated to students like me.
- If I receive the fellowship, it would relieve so much stress, allowing me to concentrate fully on my studies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Social Worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The reauthorization is a great step but too late for me personally.
- However, it will surely help others in my community to access better educational opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Graduate Student (Austin, TX)
Age: 26 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Getting such funding could be transformative. It's often hard to find resources as a Native American student.
- It's a step toward equality in education.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Mental Health Counselor (Chicago, IL)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad the government is supporting minority students, though I'm beyond that phase in my career.
- It's encouraging news for those who are just beginning their education.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Graduate Student (Miami, FL)
Age: 23 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This fellowship could help lift a big financial weight off my shoulders.
- I might be able to join events and conferences that I couldn’t afford otherwise.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Graduate Student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Support like this fellowship is really crucial. Without it, many might not finish their degrees.
- It gives hope and a boost to keep going.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Clinical Psychologist (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's wonderful to see support for upcoming professionals.
- This doesn't affect me directly, but it’s so needed for the next generation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Graduate Student (Boston, MA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This kind of scholarship doesn't apply to me due to my ethnicity, but it's important for diversity.
- I'd support similar programs for other minority groups.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Graduate Student (Houston, TX)
Age: 25 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Funds like this could make all the difference. The cost of education is rising.
- Success in my field will be much more attainable with financial help.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Mental Health Advocate (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe in the value of this type of support for students, as it promotes diversity.
- I wish there had been more initiatives like this when I was a student.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Program reauthorization continues to address disparities in mental health professional representation.
- The focus is specifically on minority students in advanced degree programs, leveraging existing educational structures.
- Funding projections are based on historical data from previous authorizations.