MS SB2381

Establishes the "College and Work Readiness Act of 2019," an ACT-STEM Improvement Pilot Program pairing state universities with low-performing school districts to increase student college and work readiness.

Assigns Alcorn State University to coordinate with Claiborne County, Jefferson County, and Natchez-Adams County school districts; Jackson State University with Jackson Public and Hinds County school districts; and Mississippi Valley State University with five delta region counties and school districts.

Requires universities to work with middle school students in grades 7-9 to increase ACT scores to 21 or above, boost STEM program interest, improve high school and college graduation rates, and enhance STEM and employability skills.

Directs the Chief Academic Officer of the Board of Trustees and the State Department of Education to collaboratively develop a consistent implementation model for the program across the state.

Authorizes legislative appropriations for startup and implementation costs, and allows program administrators to accept private funding with Board of Trustees approval; effective July 1, 2019.