MS HB198

Requires the State Board of Education, Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, and State Board for Community and Junior Colleges to jointly establish the "Mississippi Senior Cadets Program" to improve academic scores and reduce high school dropout rates.

High school seniors participating in the program must mentor kindergarten through 8th grade students at least 5 hours per week, work with school personnel at least 2 hours monthly on program planning, and maintain a "B" average or higher in senior coursework.

Successful program participants receive preference for scholarship grants from the Mississippi Postsecondary Education Financial Assistance Board, state institutions of higher learning, and community/junior colleges.

Participating students who complete program requirements earn 3 elective high school credits toward graduation and 3 semester hours of college credit at a community college or state institution of higher learning.

The State Department of Education is designated as the administering agency and authorized to create rules, regulations, and guidelines for the program.