Establishes Mental Health Awareness Pilot Program in DOE.

S 853 establishes a two-year Mental Health Awareness Pilot Program within New Jersey's Department of Education, targeting mental health support for middle and high school students. School districts applying for participation must submit detailed data on student demographics, current mental health staff, and existing services; six districts will be selected statewide across urban, suburban, and rural areas in all three geographic regions. The program requires selected districts to develop innovative methods to increase mental health awareness and teach stress-management coping skills. After two years, the Commissioner of Education must report to the Governor and Legislature on the program's implementation and whether it should continue or expand.