HB 219 Summary

• Establishes the Early Commitment to College Program requiring schools in failing or at-risk school districts to offer students in grades 6-9 a "Save Me a Spot in College" pledge to motivate college preparation and enrollment.

• Designates public schools in failing or at-risk districts with the highest proportion of low-income students as "College Opportunity Zones" and requires participating schools to provide college visits, financial aid information, and academic counseling.

• Students who sign the pledge and complete requirements receive a fee waiver under the Tuition Assistance Program for 2 or more years at Mississippi public community colleges or state institutions of higher learning, provided they maintain financial need and are Mississippi residents.

• Requires the State Department of Education to develop the pledge document, coordinate with postsecondary institutions, establish recognition for pledge completion, and report program participation and outcomes to the Legislature by November 1, 2019.

• Sunsets the program on July 1, 2021, and amends the Tuition Assistance Program statute to make pledge participants eligible for fee waivers regardless of meeting standard academic qualification thresholds.