Establish and Mandate a Mental Health Transition Program for Minnesota High School Seniors.

 

The purpose of this Act is to establish a mental health transition program that requires every Minnesota high school

senior to participate in a structured, one-hour support session dedicated to mental health awareness, coping strategies,

and connection to post-secondary mental health resources. The session will be facilitated by a school counselor,

licensed mental health professional, or trained staff member designated by the school. These facilitators will equip

students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the emotional challenges associated with transitioning from

high school to college, work, or other adult roles, which supports student well-being and reduces mental health

struggles.

 

According to the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey, 29 percent of Minnesota high school students reported long-term mental

health, behavioral, or emotional challenges, an increase from 23 percent in 2019. These challenges do not end at

graduation. Statewide young adult data shows that mental health risks remain high during the post–high school

transition. Minnesota’s 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System reported that many adults ages 18 to 24

experience frequent mental distress, and additional statewide data shows that 14 percent of Minnesotans ages 18 to 44

reported their mental health was not good for at least half of the past month. This confirms that the period immediately

after high school is a vulnerable time when many young people experience rising stress, disrupted support systems, and

uncertainty about accessing mental health resources. Research consistently shows that early intervention and increased

awareness of available supports improve long-term mental health outcomes. A structured, one-hour transition session is

cost-effective, easily integrated into existing advisory or orientation schedules, and equips students with practical

tools to navigate this high-risk period. By preparing Minnesota’s high school seniors before they leave school, this

statewide program strengthens long-term mental health, reduces potential future care costs, and supports the development

of healthier, more resilient young adults.

 

“Senior Year Transition Session” shall mean a one-hour group session (in-person or virtual) during a student’s final

semester, focused on mental health education and post-secondary resource connection.

“Eligible Student” shall mean any student enrolled in grade 12 at a public high school in the State of Minnesota.

“Participating School” shall mean any public high school within Minnesota that implements the Transition Session.

“Post-Secondary Resource Directory” shall mean a comprehensive list compiled by the State Department of Education of

Minnesota-based mental health services, counseling centers, hotlines, and digital resources available to students after

high school.

“Facilitator” shall mean a school counselor, licensed mental health professional, or trained staff member designated by

the school to lead the Transition Session.

 

 

Funding for the Senior Year Transition Session will come from existing school wellness, counseling, or advisory program

budgets. No additional state appropriation is required. The Minnesota Department of Education will provide all

participating schools with a free digital curriculum and supporting materials. Schools may reallocate staff time or

integrate the session into existing advisory or orientation periods without hiring additional personnel or use available

local or federal mental health grants if needed.

 

The Senior Year Transition Session must be held during regular school hours between March 1 and May 31 of each academic

year. Each high school’s building administrator or designated district administrator shall submit an annual report to

the Minnesota Department of Education by September 30 confirming that the session occurred and reporting student

participation rates. Schools that do not complete the session or fail to submit the required report must develop and

submit a corrective action plan outlining how the program will be implemented the following academic year. No punitive

fines will be imposed. Instead, the Department of Education will provide support, guidance, and follow up to ensure full

implementation.

 

This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026