In her recent State-of-the-State Address, Governor Ivey emphasized the need for a healthcare science high school in Demopolis as one of her top priorities. Through her efforts and those of Senator Bobby Singleton and Representative Cynthia Almond, the bill HB163 was passed unanimously in the House in April and approved by a vote of 28 to 3 in the Senate last Thursday. This marks a significant advancement in educational innovation and healthcare readiness in Alabama.
The creation of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences will provide opportunities for students from across the state, especially those from rural areas, to pursue careers in healthcare. The $26.4 million funding pledge from Bloomberg Philanthropies will be tied to the establishment of the school, marking the first charitable donation of its kind in Alabama. Supporters believe that this grant will generate interest among youth in pursuing healthcare careers, which is crucial given the decline of healthcare in rural parts of the state.
Starting in 2026, approximately 200 high school students in STEM and healthcare sciences fields will have access to advanced educational opportunities at this new specialty school. The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences will join 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 specialized education for students who want to pursue careers in healthcare. This addition to our state’s educational system is truly a unique opportunity that Ivey has successfully advocated for.