MS HB450

Establishes the "Dream Makers Program" beginning in the 2018-2019 school year as a collaborative effort between the State Department of Education and University of Mississippi Medical Center to stimulate interest in science, mathematics, and health care professions for grades 7-8 students.

Requires the program to be a two-year after-school course with eligibility limited to students maintaining a 2.5 GPA, recommended by science or math teachers, with consistent attendance and positive character, requiring parental written consent.

Mandates program components including specimen dissection, vital signs instruction, health care professional panels, interaction with UMMC medical students, and an end-of-year awards banquet, with students limited to one excused absence per year to remain eligible for the banquet.

Requires each school district to designate a program advisor responsible for career exposure and student recruitment, a regional coordinator to assist with scheduling and local health professional engagement, and UMMC to designate a project coordinator to oversee program implementation.

Establishes the Dream Makers Trust Fund in the State Treasury to provide financial support for start-up and operational costs, funded through legislative appropriations, federal grants, and private donations, with the State Board of Education and Board of Trustees jointly administering the fund.