This bill establishes a two-year Mental Health Awareness Pilot Program under the direction of the Commissioner of Education, aimed at addressing mental health issues among middle and high school students. Selected school districts will be tasked with identifying and implementing innovative strategies to enhance mental health awareness and equip students with coping skills to manage stressors that may lead to or worsen mental health challenges. To participate, school districts must submit an application detailing their demographics, absenteeism rates, academic performance, the number of mental health professionals available, and an inventory of existing mental health services.

The Commissioner will select six school districts from various regions of New Jersey, ensuring a diverse representation from urban, suburban, and rural areas. After two years, the Commissioner is required to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature, which will include an evaluation of the pilot program's implementation and recommendations regarding its continuation or expansion.