Governor Ivey’s efforts to establish a healthcare science high school in Demopolis have been successful, as the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences is set to open its doors in 2026. This was a key priority for her administration and she advocated for it in her State-of-the-State Address in February. She lobbied lawmakers to approve the bill, HB163, before the end of the legislative session and it passed unanimously in the House and later in the Senate with a vote of 28 to 3.
In a statement, Governor Ivey expressed her excitement for the new school and its potential to advance educational innovation and healthcare readiness in the state. She highlighted the opportunities it will provide for students, particularly those from rural areas, to pursue careers in high-demand healthcare fields. The establishment of this specialty school was made possible by a $26.4 million funding pledge from Bloomberg Philanthropies, which aims to address declining healthcare infrastructure in rural areas and increase interest among youth in healthcare careers.
The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences will offer educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), and healthcare fields to approximately 200 high school students beginning in 2026. It will be the fourth specialty school in Alabama, joining existing institutions focused on mathematics, cyber technology, engineering, and liberal arts. The school’s focus on STEM education will help prepare students for careers that are essential for the future of medicine and healthcare delivery. Senator Bobby Singleton and Representative Cynthia Almond were instrumental in guiding this legislation through approval process
