MS HB1510

Establishes the "Health Careers Academy," a six-week nonresidential summer program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center beginning in the 2013-2014 school year for public school students in Grades 9-12 to promote interest in health care professions, science, mathematics, and language arts.

Requires eligible students to maintain a 2.25 GPA, receive teacher recommendations, have good attendance and character, express interest in health care, be Mississippi residents, and provide proof of health insurance or Medicaid.

Academy curriculum includes mathematics, science, language arts, critical thinking, ACT preparation, CPR certification, hands-on health activities, interaction with medical students, and completion of a research project judged by UMMC faculty.

Provides selected students with a stipend of up to $1,000 for completing the academy and requires full-day instruction from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with two afternoons weekly dedicated to ACT preparation.

Establishes the Health Careers Academy Trust Fund to support start-up and operational costs through legislative appropriations, federal grants, and private donations, jointly administered by the State Board of Education and Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning.