Governor Ivey has successfully advocated for the establishment of a healthcare science high school in Demopolis, one of her top priorities. 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.
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 creation of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences is viewed 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.
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. 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 grant will offer educational opportunities to approximately 200 high school students in STEM and healthcare sciences fields starting in 2026.
Governor Ivey views this project as an important step towards ensuring that young people have access to advanced educational opportunities that prepare them for successful careers in healthcare. She acknowledged the leadership of Senator Bobby Singleton and Representative Cynthia Almond
