MS HB1160

Creates the Dual Credit Community College Scholarship Program consisting of two components: Academic Dual Credit and Career and Technical Dual Credit scholarships administered by the Mississippi Community College Board.

Academic Dual Credit Program limited to 130,000 semester hours annually, funded at $150 per semester hour in 2021-2022 with adjustments thereafter based on tuition costs; Career and Technical Program limited to 20,000 semester hours annually, funded at $250 per semester hour.

Eligible students must be public, private, or homeschooled high school students residing in Mississippi who meet dual credit standards and SACSCOC accreditation criteria; students are responsible for books, supplies, tools, and transportation costs.

Requires the Mississippi Community College Board to develop rules, create an online application platform, and set application deadlines; if funds are insufficient, scholarship awards must be prorated among eligible students.

Program is subject to annual appropriation and may be suspended without funding; unexpended balances carry over to the next fiscal year rather than lapsing to the State General Fund; effective July 1, 2021.