Governor Kay Ivey has successfully advocated for the establishment of a healthcare science high school in Demopolis, one of her top priorities. In her State-of-the-State Address in February and through recent efforts, she has urged lawmakers to approve the initiative before the end of the 2024 legislative regular session. The bill, HB163, passed unanimously in the House in April and was approved by a vote of 28 to 3 in the Senate last Thursday.
The creation of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences in Demopolis is viewed by Governor Ivey as a significant advancement in educational innovation and healthcare readiness in the state. This specialized high school will provide opportunities for students from across Alabama, especially those from rural areas, to pursue careers in healthcare. She acknowledged the leadership of Senator Bobby Singleton and Representative Cynthia Almond in guiding the legislation to passage.
A $26.4 million funding pledge from Bloomberg Philanthropies was tied to the establishment of the school in Demopolis, marking the first charitable donation of its kind in Alabama. The decline of healthcare in rural parts of the state has raised concerns, and supporters of the project believe it will generate interest among youth in pursuing healthcare careers. The grant will offer educational opportunities to approximately 200 high school students in STEM and healthcare sciences fields starting in 2026.
The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences will become the state’s fourth specialty school, joining existing institutions such as the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science, the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering, and the Alabama School of Liberal Arts in offering advanced educational opportunities.