MS HB194

Establishes the "Health Careers Academy," a six-week nonresidential summer program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center for public school students in grades 9-12, beginning in the 2017-2018 school year.

Program aims to stimulate interest in science, mathematics, language arts, critical thinking, and health care professions, with particular focus on underserved and underrepresented populations, and to raise ACT scores.

Eligible students must maintain a 2.25 GPA, be recommended by science or mathematics teachers, have good attendance and citizenship, be Mississippi residents, possess health insurance or Medicaid, and obtain parental written authorization.

Academy curriculum includes full-day instruction (8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday-Friday) with classes in core subjects, ACT preparation, hands-on health activities, CPR certification, mentoring with medical students, and a research project requirement.

Establishes the Health Careers Academy Trust Fund to finance start-up and operational costs, funded by legislative appropriations, federal grants, and private donations; provides students completing the academy with stipends up to $1,000.