AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING TO ESTABLISH AND IMPLEMENT A PROGRAM KNOWN AS THE "HEALTH CAREERS ACADEMY" FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS IN GRADES 9 THROUGH 12; TO PROVIDE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THE ACADEMY WILL BE TO STIMULATE INTEREST IN SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS, LANGUAGE ARTS, CRITICAL THINKING AND HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONS; TO REQUIRE THE ACADEMY TO BE CONDUCTED AS A SIX-WEEK NONRESIDENTIAL SUMMER PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER; TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING TO JOINTLY DEVELOP THE CRITERIA AND PROCESS TO BE USED IN A RANDOM SELECTION OF CANDIDATES; TO REQUIRE THAT THE CRITERIA AND PROCESS USED BE NONDISCRIMINATORY IN NATURE; TO PRESCRIBE THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE ACADEMY; TO PRESCRIBE THE COMPONENTS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE ACADEMY; TO REQUIRE THE ACADEMY TO PROVIDE FULL-DAY INSTRUCTION DURING THE COURSE OF THE PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE PARTICIPATING STUDENTS TO COMPLETE CERTAIN TASKS AND RESEARCH PROJECTS; TO LIMIT PARTICIPATION IN THE ACADEMY TO MISSISSIPPI RESIDENTS IN GRADES 9 THROUGH 12 WHO ATTEND A PUBLIC SCHOOL; TO REQUIRE ELIGIBLE PERSONS TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR PARTICIPATION TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO MAKE THE APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE TO ALL SCHOOL DISTRICTS BY A CERTAIN DATE AND TO ESTABLISH THE DEADLINE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF APPLICATIONS; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO FORWARD THE COMPLETED APPLICATIONS TO THE VICE CHANCELLOR FOR HEALTH AFFAIRS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER AT THE CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF APPLICATIONS; TO PROVIDE AN INCENTIVE IN THE FORM OF A STIPEND FOR STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE ACADEMY; TO ESTABLISH THE HEALTH CAREERS ACADEMY TRUST FUND IN THE STATE TREASURY TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER FOR START-UP COSTS AND COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH IMPLEMENTING AND OPERATING THE ACADEMY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
The implementation of this bill targets the state's education system directly, aiming to enhance the curriculum's focus on health-related sciences. It emphasizes the collaboration between the State Department of Education and the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning to create a selection process for candidates that adheres to nondiscriminatory practices. By increasing educational opportunities for students, particularly those from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds, the bill is positioned to contribute positively to the medical workforce and address health care accessibility issues.
Summary
House Bill 166 proposes the establishment of the 'Health Careers Academy' which is aimed at public school students in grades 9 through 12 in Mississippi. This initiative seeks to stimulate student interest in scientific and health care professions through an intensive six-week, nonresidential summer program hosted at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). The program will include rigorous academic instruction in various subjects including science, mathematics, and language arts, as well as hands-on health-related activities, ensuring that students are better prepared for potential careers in health care sectors that are currently facing shortages.
Contention
An important aspect of House Bill 166 is the financial and administrative infrastructure it establishes. A dedicated fund, named the Health Careers Academy Trust Fund, will be created to support the costs associated with implementing the program. This funding mechanism is intended to alleviate financial burdens on local school districts and the UMMC, facilitating the program's launch and sustainability. Notable concerns may arise around the adequacy of funding, the selection process of candidates, and balancing academic rigor with the capacity to engage a wide range of participants in this health-focused initiative.