MS HB614

State Department of Education and Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning shall establish and implement the "Health Careers Academy" beginning in 2010-2011 academic year, a six-week nonresidential summer program at University of Mississippi Medical Center for public school students in grades 9-12 to stimulate interest in science, mathematics, language arts, critical thinking, and health care professions.

Academy eligibility requires students to maintain a cumulative 2.25 GPA, receive teacher recommendations in science or mathematics, have consistent attendance, display positive character and citizenship, express interest in health care, be Mississippi residents, and provide proof of health insurance or Medicaid.

Selection process shall use random selection criteria developed jointly by both entities and must be nondiscriminatory, not refusing admission based on race, color, age, disability, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or prior academic achievement.

Academy participants shall complete full-day instruction from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday for six weeks, including mathematics, science, language arts, ACT preparation, health-related hands-on activities, CPR certification, and medical research projects.

Participating students receive a stipend not to exceed $1,000 upon completion, and a "Health Careers Academy Trust Fund" is established in state treasury to provide financial support for program start-up and operating costs from federal grants, legislative appropriations, and private donations.